Flags advise Bury motorists on reducing car crime

Officers from the Bury South Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) are using customised flags in car crime hotspots to remind motorists to remove valuables from their vehicles.

Since the start of April this year there have been 71 incidents where items were stolen from vehicles across Whitefield, Prestwich and Radcliffe, and police are keen to help people to avoid becoming victims.

Inspector Mark Kenny from the Bury South NPT said: “Motorists should park in secure or well-lit areas wherever possible. They should also close all windows, set any security devices and remove all valuables, especially sat navs and their mounting cradles. All doors should be locked and checked manually, as automatic locking devices can sometimes suffer from interference. 

“If you must leave your vehicle unattended with valuables inside, make sure you lock them in the boot out of sight, and it’s worth remembering that some stores will keep gifts for you so you can collect them later.”

Police are also urging motorists to register valuables at www.immobilise.com and to security mark them with their postcode and house number or vehicle registration number.  Immobilise is a free Home Office approved website which allows you to keep a record of all your valuable items.

For non-emergency calls or to report a crime call police on 101.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. 

Use 999 only in emergencies where there is a threat to life or property or a crime in progress. 

ENDS

Issued by GMP: 24 May 2013.

Pictured: PC Derek Lee of Whitefield Neighbourhood Policing Team.