Officers from the Neighbourhood Policing Team are investigating thirteen reports of damage caused to vehicles in East Cowes.
The damage is believed to have been caused between 2am & 5am on Tuesday 6 November. Reports were received from Albany Road, Cambridge Road, Osbourne Road, Hefford Road, and Yarborough Road.
We received reports of a Renault Clio and Kia Picanto having had their tyres slashed on Osborne Road. Thirteen vehicles were damaged or entered in total across all the roads affected.
Nothing was reported stolen from the vehicles apart from a key ring torch stolen from a Kia Sorento on Osborne Road.
Officers conducted a search of the area, but did not locate the people responsible.
We’d like to take this opportunity to remind you of the following crime prevention advice:
Thefts from vehicles
Don't leave anything in your car - if it's not there, then it can't be stolen. Choose a stereo that can be removed and make sure you take it with you! You should also mark it with your registration number or postcode, in case it's stolen. Thieves aren't picky, so don't leave even low-value items in your car. Often thieves will smash and grab first and look later to see if what they've stolen is valuable. Don't hide it - if you hide items under the seat or in the glove box, chances are someone will have watched you. If you cannot avoid leaving something in your car, put it in your boot before you begin your journey. Don't leave valuables in your car even for a minute - it only takes a thief a few seconds to smash a window and get what they want, so don't take the chance. Your car isn't safe to be left unlocked on your driveway - nearly half of all incidents where items are stolen from cars happen when they are parked overnight, close to the owner's home. Don't leave your house keys or anything with your address on it in your vehicle - someone could steal your keys and then let themselves into your home.Sat Navs If it's portable, take the sat nav with you together with the support cradle and suction pads. Wipe away any marks left by the suction pads as thieves will look out for these. Don't leave your equipment in the glove compartment - thieves usually check here first.Securing Cars Always secure your car. Always lock your car and wind your windows up, even if you are just posting a letter or going into a petrol station. If you are stationary in traffic, keep your doors locked and don't wind your windows too far down - someone could reach in and try to grab something off your passenger seat. Use a steering wheel lock every time you leave your car - it makes life more difficult for the thief and therefore your car a less tempting target. Get a car alarm - they not only deter a thief from stealing the car, but also from stealing items from inside it. Have it fitted by a professional. Immobilisers stop the engine from starting if the car is being stolen and they are the best way to stop thieves. Having an immobiliser is a good idea if you have an expensive car, and it might help to reduce your insurance premiums. Log your property for free on www.immobilise.com
