Police are warning residents to take extra steps to secure their vehicles after a spike of thefts in Timperley, Hale and Hale Barns.
Officers from Trafford South have noted a rise in vehicle theft and catalytic converter thefts over recent weeks and are giving out advice to enhance vehicle security.
Inspector Cross, from GMP’s Trafford South district, said: “Although we are in a national lockdown due to Covid, we are seeing an increase in vehicle related theft across the Trafford South region. There are some simple and cost effective measures everyone can take to help deter thieves.”
One of the measures drivers can take is to use a Faraday case to store keys as thieves are using technology to clone the signal to gain access to vehicles.
Officers say an ‘old school’ steering wheel lock can also help to deter thieves who are often not equipped to remove the locks.
Another proven method is to install a VHF vehicle tracking device as VHF is a more powerful signal than GPS and will give the location of your vehicle even if it’s placed in a shipping container.
To keep catalytic converters safe, drivers should register it and mark it with a forensic marker, which will make it harder for thieves to dispose of. A catalytic converter theft plate costs around £30-£40.
Inspector Cross added: “In addition to the security measures you can take, we would ask that the public continue to report any suspicious activity to us via our Live Chat at www.gmp.police.uk. Activity could include unusual vehicle activity, people looking out of place or anything that gives you cause for concern.”
He added: “Trafford remains the safest borough in Greater Manchester but crime does still occur and by working together we can help to deter thieves and with your reporting we can disrupt criminal activity and make arrests.”
