Greater Manchester Police have issued a warning about a rise in burglaries involving vehicle crime in the area.
Police believe that houses are being targeted with the main intention of stealing homeowners’ cars. Although not a new tactic, police say instances of this type of crime on “on the increase”.
One example of this type of crime occurred on Laburnum Road in Hale on January 8th. Offenders broke into the property, stole a set of car keys and a handbag and left in a Mercedes Benz (vehicle registration EN07 UTK) that was parked on the road.
And on January 14th, a burglary at a property on Hillcroft Road in Oldfield Brow led to the offenders taking keys from a hook on the kitchen wall and eventually leaving in the owner’s car. On this occasion, the car was soon spotted and four males were arrested.
Local officers are asking residents to be vigilant and avoid leaving car keys and spare keys visible near windows.
Inspector John Cave, from the Trafford Division, said: “Don’t make it easy for thieves to get what they want, consider using preventative measures and make sure you’re doing all you can to protect your property.
“Securing your home doesn’t have to be costly, it can be simple things like making sure your fence panels cannot be lifted up.
“Ensure you have security lighting, preferably do not have easy access to the side or rear of the house and consider having a gate or vehicle security posts.”
“Consider where you leave them at night and when you are away from the house. If you go on holiday consider hiding them.
“Remember if you get burgled and they take your car, then you will be claiming on both your house and car insurance, possibly increasing your premiums and losing your no claims bonus.”
For more information on keeping your home safe and secure visit www.gmp.police.uk/AlarmLocksLights or contact your local Neighbourhood Policing Team.
