This is a message from Thames Valley Alert Information sent on behalf of Thames Valley Police
Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses after a series of vehicle thefts across Aylesbury Vale.
On Thursday night (6/12) and Friday morning (7/12) eight vehicles were broken into in the villages of Wooton, Underwood and Westcott. Cash, mobile phones, satellite navigators and clothing were stolen.
Earlier in the same week in the areas of East Claydon , Drayton Parslow and Oving, Marsworth and Chearsley and Long Crendon valuable items were stolen from unlocked cars. In the villages of Oakley and Brill, two cars were stolen when the owners left their engines running to defrost their cars.
DS Jim Forrest from Aylesbury Vale police station said: “We are asking motorists to make it difficult for the opportunist thief. In these rural areas we have had a series of car thefts and thefts of valuable items from cars.
“By leaving items on display or leaving the keys in the ignition defrosting the car on a cold morning, it is an invitation to the opportunist thief. We would like to bring this to people’s attention.
“December is the biggest time of the year for shoppers, and also for car thieves. Even small belongings such as clothing or small change left on view in a vehicle can be tempting to a thief, let alone leaving expensive presents in the car. Never think leaving items in the boot is safe either, who could say if someone watches them being put in there?
“Car crime accounts for more than a quarter of all reported crime in the UK, so always take precautions and lock your car, making sure windows are closed, even if you’re away from your vehicle for just a few minutes. Additional security such as adding a steering lock is to be applauded.
“Never leave your keys in the ignition whilst your vehicle is unattended, even for a few minutes. Opportunist thieves will often steal cars that have been left with the engine running to defrost the windows.”
If you have information about any of these crimes please call DS Jim Forrest on 101, the police non-emergency and general enquiry number.
For further news and updates follow us on Twitter @TVP_Aylesbury. Any crimes in progress should be reported by dialling 999. Any callers who wish to remain anonymous can call the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111
