Afternoon,

We have noticed in the Blaydon/Winlaton area particularly in recent weeks a number of cases of vehicle interference and thefts from vehicles.  We have been informed the vast number of thefts from these vehicles have been from those which have been left insecure.  Officers from the Outer West Neighbourhood Team are collating the evidence for these and are looking at these crimes with a view of taking positive action.

Theft from motor vehicle is very easy and cheap to prevent by simply removing items from your vehicle when you leave it unoccupied. It only takes a minute!

■  Make sure that you remove valuable items from your vehicle when you get out i.e. Sat Navs, Mobile phones, Cash, Laptops, Handbags and other portable items are all easy to steal.
■  Offences can take place anywhere, in a car park, at the side of the road or even when your car is on your drive.
■  Always check you have locked your vehicle by trying the door handle. How many of us click the lock button and don't actually check if it has locked.
■  Don't even leave your car unlocked when you nip in to the shop or to pay for petrol.
■  Vehicles used for business purposes, such as vans, are often targeted. Tools, machinery and other equipment should be removed when the vehicle is left. The loss of commercial equipment could have a devastating effect on your business and livelihood.
■  Unless you can park your vehicle in a garage or on your drive, park in a well lit area that is visible to other people or covered by CCTV. Thieves are less likely to break in if they can be seen.
■  At home don't leave vehicle keys next to a door or window, thieves may sometimes break in to your house to steal keys, just to get your car.
■  Registration plates might also might be attractive to an offender, consider having tamper proof plates or screws fitted.
■  When you are parking your vehicle in a public place try to look for a car park that has 'Park Mark' accreditation. These car parks offer higher levels of security for your vehicle.

A number of posts have been seen on Facebook regarding these crimes and we are encouraging people to report such incidents to the Police.