Appeal to drivers to remain security conscious during the cold weather

 

Appeal to motorists not to leave their cars defrosting on the driveway − with the keys in the ignition.

An incident was reported to police on the 7th February. At 6.55am a grey Audi was stolen from the driveway of a house whilst defrosting.

As the bitterly cold weather is set to continue this week drivers are being warned to be on their guard against opportunist thieves. Opportunist thieves will see a cold spell of weather as a perfect opportunity to snatch a vehicle - especially if the driver has left the engine running and the car unattended. Drivers are being urged across cheshire to remain security conscious and to take steps to reduce the chances of being targeted by thieves."

Officers are also urging drivers to remain security conscious and not to leave valuable items - such as handbags, laptops and mobile phones - on show inside some of the vehicles.

Drivers are being encouraged to:

• Ensure they stay with their vehicle at all times when defrosting it.
• Do not be tempted to start defrosting the car and then pop back into the house or garage - it only takes a matter of minutes for someone to get into a car and drive off if the engine is running and there is no one else around.
• Make sure they allow enough time every morning to fully defrost their vehicle before driving - scraping just a few inches of frost away right in front of your eyes is not adequate enough - it is illegal and dangerous.
• Be more aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious activity immediately

It is not just the inconvenience and stress of losing your vehicle and any valuable items that are inside − it is also the fact that many drivers have their house keys and other important keys on the same fob as their car keys. So if they are stolen then you have the added expense of having to change the locks on your home.

Cyclists warned following spate of bike thefts

Cyclists in Crewe are being offered the chance of having their bicycle security marked for free to help deter bike thieves.

PCSO Nick Jackson said: "We have had a number of thefts of bicycles over the past month and are urging residents to be vigilant and security conscious.

"Its not only expensive bikes which are being targeted by thieves, cheap bikes which you might assume won′t be of interest to offenders are being stolen for their scrap value.

"As a prevention measure I am holding a bike marking event on Saturday so cyclists can have their bike permanently marked with a unique identification code for free. The details will then be registered on a national database − helping police to trace the owner if the bicycle ever gets stolen.

PCSO Jackson is hosting the bike marking event on Saturday 11 February at Sainsbury′s in Eddleston Road, Crewe.

The event will run on between 2pm and 4pm.

PCSO Jackson, of Crewe Neighbourhood Policing Unit, said: "We would encourage as many members of the local community as possible to come along on the day and have their bicycles security marked."

Police are encouraging anyone who owns a bike to remain security conscious to reduce their chances of being targeted by thieves.

• Keep your bicycle locked away and out of sight when not in use - ideally in a shed or garage that is fitted with heavy duty locks.
• If possible fit security lights around the shed area to act as a deterrent.
• Invest in a good quality bike lock and use it to secure your bike not only when you′re out and about but also while it is in your shed.
• Do not attach the bicycle to something which could easily be moved or cut and try to leave it in a well-lit area where there are a lot of people around.
• Report any suspicious activity in your area to police immediately.

Anyone with information about bike theft or suspicious activity should contact police on 101. Alternatively information can be given anonymously on the Crimestoppers number 0800 555 111.