August 2, 2010 1.55 pm This story is over 175 months old

Police warn of increased car break-ins

Break-ins: Police are advising locals not to leave valuable goods in their cars, after several vehicles were targeted over the weekend.

Lincolnshire Police are warning Lincoln motorists not to leave valuable goods in their cars, after several vehicle break-ins over the past weekend. Cars at five locations in the city were targeted, including in Foss Bank, Turner Street, Mill Road, Barkers Court, and Kirkby Street.

Three of the cars had windows smashed, one had the door frame prised back, and one of the cars had been left unlocked. Property stolen included a handbag, sunglasses, a sat nav, a wallet, a stereo, a cricket bat, a hedge trimmer, and a chain saw.

“We clearly have thieves operating in the area and we are urging people not to leave valuables in their cars. It makes you much more likely to become a victim,” said Chief Inspector Mark Housley. “This crime only takes a matter of seconds and it can end up costing you a lot of money.”

“As part of Operation Fusion, our teams are out patrolling hotspot areas, contacting the owners of any vehicles where property has been left on show inside. We also deploy ‘trick vehicles’ across the city to catch these thieves in the act,” Housely said.

Officers are asking the public to be on the lookout for stolen property like sat-navs, CDs, car stereos and mobile phones being sold on. They are reminding that handling stolen goods is a serious offence, and they are asking people to call them as soon as possible if they are offered anything.

Source: Lincolnshire Police | Photo: Dave Knapik