A LEADING councillor is urging drivers to 'lock it or lose it' over the Christmas and New Year period - after his own car was broken into.
Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council's Conservative group leader, Brian Silvester, is campaigning for free steering wheel locks to be handed out to cut car crime.
Mr Silvester said: 'I know myself how distressing it is to have your car broken into.
'Luckily, I had no valuables in the car, but it was still a shock to find the window smashed.
'In Runcorn and Widnes they have launched a pilot scheme offering free steering wheel locks to owners of cars aged 13 years and older, which I think Crewe and Nantwich should also adopt.
'The borough may be winning the fight against burglary, but car crime still remains alarmingly high and if local people took simple measures to protect their cars, it could make a lot of difference.
'Parking in a well-lit public place and keeping all valuables out of sight is advice most people follow, but some can't afford a steering wheel lock.
'With older cars being an easier target for thieves, according to the Home Office, it would make sense for this borough to take part in the scheme if the one in Runcorn and Widnes proves successful in reducing car theft.'
Mr Silvester has written to the Crewe and Nantwich Safer Communities Partnership, asking it to consider the scheme.
The partnership, made up of agencies including the council and police, works to make the borough a safer place.
Last month it gave away free light timer switches to help protect homes at risk of being burgled.
