Police are warning residents in villages around Lincoln to be more vigilant after a recent spate of car crime.
Officers say the main car crime hotspots around Lincoln are in Washingborough, Heighington and Waddington, with most incidents happening overnight.
In many cases, cars have been left unlocked, making it easy for thieves to get in and take any valuables left inside.
The type of items that are targeted by thieves are sat-navs, loose change, CDs and valuable items that can be easily grabbed and carried.
Police say offenders are not picky over the type of cars or vans they are targeting.
Lincolnshire Police have had reports of thieves stealing from Fords, Peugeots, Mercedes and Transit vans, most of which were left unlocked.
Earlier this week, police also warned residents in the north of Lincoln about the same issue.
As part of Operation Handbrake, officers patrolling spotted property in more than 400 vehicles in the north of the city over two weeks.
Car crime prevention advice
Lincolnshire Police issued the following advice to car owners:
Always lock the doors and close the windows when you park your car, even when it is locked in your garage or on your driveway. It is essential that you do this, even if you’re just stepping out of your car for a few minutes. Don’t give anyone an excuse to target your vehicle.
Park your car in a well-lit area, where it can be seen by passers-by at night.
Never leave anything on display in your vehicle. Even small change could pose an attractive target for opportunist thieves.
Ensure that you remove your stereo system, if you can when leaving your vehicle.
Always remember to remove sat-navs, including the support cradle and the suction pad. Remember to wipe away any suction pad marks left on the windscreen.
If your vehicle is fitted with an alarm or an immobiliser, make sure they work and use them.
For older vehicles fit a steering lock when you are not using your vehicle.
Tuck in wing mirrors and put the aerial down to discourage vandals.
Mark any equipment normally left in the vehicle such as CD player, the jack and spare wheel with the vehicle’s registration number.
When parking your car away from home, look for a police approved secured car park. A blue ‘P’ parking sign with the words ‘Park Mark, Safer Parking’ will indicate this.
Keep your car keys out of sight, even in the house. If someone broke into your house, they could potentially steal your car keys too.
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We are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage after a collision caused serious injuries to a 23-year-old man.
Just before 3.30pm yesterday (2 July), we received reports of a collision on Barholm Road in Tallington. It involved a grey BMW 335D estate, a blue BMW 116D and an orange KTM motorcycle.
The motorcycle rider, a 23-year-old man, sustained serious injuries during the collision and was taken to hospital.
If you witnessed the incident and are yet to get in touch with us, please do so. If you have any other information or dashcam footage available that may have captured the road along the A1175 at the time of the collision, get in touch.
By calling 101 quoting incident 282 of 2 July.
By emailing [email protected] quoting incident 282 of 2 July in the subject line.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can report via the independent charity CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.
The 2022 Destination Lincolnshire Tourism Excellence Awards are open for applications, and Destination Lincolnshire giving you the rare chance to co-create your application with Nell Barrington, a tourism awards veteran, who has helped hundreds of businesses write winning applications over the last 15 years – including national VisitEngland winners.
The Tourism Awards Masterclass is taking place on Tuesday 12 July at 11am for one-hour online. Laura Freer, Head of Marketing at Destination Lincolnshire said: “This is a golden opportunity, after years of hard work and heartache, to get your business and team recognised and rewarded.
“A well written application is key to achieving a coveted place on this year’s shortlist, and I’d encourage all tourism and visitor economy businesses who are thinking of entering – whether they are seasoned at writing award applications or not – to join us for this exclusive masterclass.
“Nell Barrington has worked with us and VisitEngland on the founding application processes of these awards, and she is perfectly placed to assist in co-creating applications that you can be proud of. This is a great opportunity for business development too – whether you are shortlisted for an award or not – discovering how to effectively apply for awards and talk up your business adds another string to your bow.
“Booking is essential and places are limited to just 35 – so be quick! This year we’ve made our masterclass available to partners and also to those who we are yet to work with for free. Call it an added bonus, after two years away from the awards circuit.
The awards masterclass is focussed on the application process, and it will spell out what the judges are looking for. You’ll learn how to make your application stand out from the local competition, helping your chances of going through to the national VisitEngland Awards in 2023.”
There are fifteen categories open for nominations from visitors attraction, accommodation providers, hospitality businesses and many more.
The deadline for nominations is July 29, with online judging starting on July 30 and mystery shopping from August 13. Finalists will be announced on Monday, August 15.
The awards ceremony will be held at the Engine Shed on October 21, and will be hosted by Lincs FM presenter, John Marshall.
The event is organised by Stonebow Media, publishers of The Lincolnite, to celebrate the best businesses in Greater Lincolnshire, alongside headline sponsors Lincoln College and Destination Lincolnshire.
We would also like to thank our other sponsors Visit Lincolnshire, Heart of Lincs, Duncan and Toplis and LNER, insight6 and EV Camel.