Police warning after spate of thefts
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POLICE have issued a warning to home and car owners after a spate of incidents in the Inverness
we are fortunate in having a relatively low reported rate of vehicle thefts and associated crimes; however, this does not leave room for complacency for police or drivers.HighlandsOfficers are currently investigating a number of thefts and attempted thefts of vehicles and of equipment from within vehicles as well as break-ins and attempted break-ins to homes in the Kirkhill, Inverness and North Kessock
Chief Inspector Ian Graham said: "Across the
areas.
POLICE have issued a warning to home and car owners after a spate of incidents in the Inverness
“Unfortunately there’s been a number of reports of break-ins to vehicles and homes across the area recently, so it is important communities remain vigilant to suspicious activity and take steps to secure their vehicles and belongings.
"In addition to thoroughly investigating all crimes reported, we are committed to keeping communities safe by advising how best we can all secure our vehicles and property, reducing the risk of becoming a victim of crime.
“Often vehicles are left unlocked, handing the ideal opportunity to a would-be thief.
"Community intelligence is vital to our enquiries so we are thankful for ongoing assistance from the public in reporting potentially suspicious activity.
“If you discover that your car has been broken into our advice would be to contact the police to report it straight away before you touch or drive the vehicle. This will increase the chances of recovering forensic evidence from the vehicle itself.
“It’s important not to present as an easy target by considering improvements to security around your home and outbuildings and letting police know about any suspicious persons or vehicles, regardless of how insignificant you think it may be.
•NEVER leave your car unattended to defrost windows with the keys in the ignition. Many car thieves actively target this and any insurance claim could be adversely affected as it may be considered driver negligence. It’s also an offence to leave a car unattended on a road with the engine running.
•Use locking wheel nuts to prevent the theft of your wheels.
•Fit a car alarm.
. www.immobilise.comScotland
•Permanently mark any valuables you use in the vehicle, such as a Satellite Navigation System (Sat Nav), with your postcode and house number/name. You can register all of your equipment at
has the following advice for members of the public:
Police
“Any information provided by the public is greatly appreciated and may lead to the final piece of a jigsaw that allows for a successful prosecution.”
. •Don’t leave valuables in sight of windows/glass doorswww.immobilise.com
•Record details of your valuables, such as mobile phone, cameras, laptops and tablets on the national mobile property register at
•Security mark your property with a UV marker pen. You can use this pen to place an invisible imprint of your postcode and house number on your possessions.
•Avoid keeping large amounts of cash in the house. If you must then disperse it in various locations.
•Don’t keep house keys and car keys on the same key ring.
•Don't put your name or room number on your keyring if you live in shared accommodation. If it is lost or stolen, the thief will have information that could direct them to your home and your property.
•Don’t leave keys on the inside of door locks, under mats or anywhere else an intruder may easily find them.
•Keep your home securely locked at all times.
Home security advice:
•If you have an alarm then make sure it’s set.
•Use an electronic or mechanical immobiliser such as a steering lock.
•If you have a Sat Nav, hide the cradle and take the system with you. Don’t forget to wipe the suction marks off the window. •If you have personal correspondence in the vehicle, then take it with you - don’t give others access to important personal information or your home address.
•Leave the glove box empty and open.
•Lock all items out of sight. Don’t leave anything on display and take valuables with you.
What should I do after I park?
