Local police are advising the public to remove valuable items from unoccupied vehicles after a spate of thefts in the area.
A number of vehicles have been broken in to over the past few weeks after valuable items – including sat nav systems – were left on display in cars and other vehicles.
Officers are reminding members of the public that these systems are portable and can easily be removed from vehicles by opportunist thieves – just as quickly as the owner installed it.
Sat nav systems should always be removed from the vehicle and either taken away completely or alternatively locked in the boot and the tell-tale sign of the suction holder should always be removed from the windscreen of the vehicle. For additional protection, car owners are advised to security mark the sat nav unit with an ultra violet marking pen.
“This type of theft is so very easily prevented,” commented Jan Brown, crime prevention officer at Morecambe police station. “Just by taking a few precautions, you can reduce the chances of becoming a victim.
“Most criminals are opportunists – they take what they can see. I urge people to double check when they leave their cars to see if there is anything on display and if there is they should remove it from the car.”
She added: “Thieves are also taking items from glove boxes, so often it is not enough just to hide the item from view – it needs to be removed from the vehicle.”
• Anyone with information about car crime is asked to contact Lancashire police on 08451 25 35 45 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.