Car crime on increase in Lache warn police

May 20 2008 by Michael Green, Chester Chronicle

POLICE in Lache are calling for all car owners to be on their guard following a series of vehicle crimes.

During the past few weeks officers have seen an increase in the number of crimes involving vehicles in the area.

These have ranged from theft of items from cars to attempts to steal the vehicles themselves.

Sergeant Anton Sullivan, of Chester Outer Neighbourhood Policing Unit, said: “Often the thieves will bend the doors of the cars back to gain access to the contents or they will interfere with the steering lock and ignition in an attempt to steal the car.

“Although these are fairly extreme methods they are usually carried out on an opportunistic basis when the offenders spot something valuable in the vehicle.

“Vehicle owners can take relatively easy steps to help prevent their property being targeted.

“Always make sure valuables are removed from unattended cars, remove all signs that items such as sat navs and iPods are in use and invest in a good quality steering lock which will make life difficult for an opportunistic thief.

“I would also advise people to ensure cars are always locked and alarms and immobilisers, if fitted, are activated.”

He added: “Despite all these measures there will always be some thieves willing to commit crimes and I would like to reassure residents of Lache that we will be pro-actively targeting the area in an bid to catch those responsible.

Police Community Support Officers Josie Fergus and Christopher Burton regularly patrol the Lache area and information can be passed to them. Alternatively ring Cheshire Police on 0845 458 0000.

If you would prefer to leave information anonymously you can ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.