March 4, 2013 5.06 pm This story is over 132 months old

Spate of car crime in Lincoln over the weekend

Car break-ins across the city: Lincolnshire Police are encouraging vigilance after 14 car break-ins were reported across Lincoln over the weekend.

Lincolnshire Police are encouraging vigilance after 14 car break-ins were reported across Lincoln over the weekend.

In many cases, entry was gained to the car by smashing a window. The types of items stolen include sat navs, handbags, coats, keys, CDs and a music player.

Incidents were reported this weekend at Greetwell Road car park, Welbeck Street, Wavell Drive, Carlton Boulevard, Friars Lane, Allenby Close, Wragby Road, Olsen Rise, Greetwell Close, Outer Circle Road and Croften Drive.

Inspector Pat Coates, who is in charge of community policing in the north Lincoln said: “Sadly it’s often the case that where we see one incident, we will see several.

“An offender will target car after car specifically looking for any items of value on show. Why risk breaking into a car with no visually apparent reward when there are so many with goods that can clearly be seen.

“We don’t think that all of the incidents are linked but we are certainly assuming that certain individuals are responsible for multiple offences.

It’s not just the valuable items that are vulnerable, Inspector Coates explained: “In one case a bag containing two towels and a swimming costume was taken. So even if you know the bag doesn’t contain anything valuable, a thief might break in to your car just to find that out.

“In another case a phone charger was taken worth only £3.99. Even if the items you have lost are of little value, you are still left with the stress and inconvenience of being the victim of car crime and potentially the expense of sorting out a broken window. The message we are sending is to remove all items of value from your car and leave nothing, valuable or otherwise, on show.”