Police aim to catch motor vehicle thieves
A fleet of decoy vehicles fitted with satellite navigation systems is the latest
crime-fighting tactic being used by Wandsworth police to combat thieves.
A fleet of cars, vans, mopeds and even pedal cycles that are specially
adapted fitted with state-of-the-art satellite tracking technology and video
recording equipment to monitor unsuspecting thieves are placed in hot spot
areas for vehicle crime and then left unattended, often with satellite navigation
systems on display.
This is a long-term operation with vehicles and locations
being rotated on a regular basis so that they will not be obvious to offenders.
Items such as ‘Sat Navs’ are expensive, but relatively small and light, which
makes them particularly appealing to thieves. With their growing popularity,
we have seen an increase in thefts from vehicles.
The aim of this initiative is to make offenders think twice before breaking into vehicles. Thieves need to know, any car they steal or steal from could easily be a police decoy vehicle and we will be waiting to arrest them!
We need the assistance of the public to reduce car crime. Criminals like to
window shop, by removing valuables from glove boxes and under seats and
ensuring that you don't leave any items on display in your vehicle, you're
making it harder for them. Take the entire Sat Nav out of the car when leaving
it unattended and even to wipe the windscreen so no suction marks are left,
which alert thieves to a system being fitted. Also please invest in good quality locks for all types of bikes.
Wandsworth is a safe Borough with low crime, the message to the public is
please think security, secure your vehicle, and remove all valuables when
leaving your car unattended.
The warning to thieves is Wandsworth police have successfully used this
tactic to arrest thieves and those handling stolen goods, so don't chance it any
vehicle could be being watched and tracked by a team of officers ready to
arrest.
March 21, 2009
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