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🚗💡 Preventing Car Break-Ins: What Thieves Look For 💡🚗


Hi everyone,


We wanted to raise some awareness around preventing vehicle break-ins, so here’s a quick reminder on how to keep your vehicle and your belongings safe.

🔍 What Thieves Are Looking For:
Car thieves are often opportunists. They’ll target cars that:

  • Have valuables left in plain sight (bags, sunglasses, sat navs, even loose change)
  • Are unlocked or have windows left slightly open
  • Are parked in dark or secluded areas
  • Have marks on windscreens from suction mounts (like sat nav holders)
  • Show signs of recent shopping—boot full of bags, etc.
  • 🔐 Simple Ways to Deter Them:
    ✔️ Always lock your car—even if you’re just popping away for a moment
    ✔️ Remove all valuables or store them out of sight
    ✔️ Take bags, coats, and electronics inside overnight
    ✔️ Wipe away suction marks and don’t leave cables visible
    ✔️ Park in well-lit, busy areas or use a secure garage if you have one
    ✔️ Consider dash cams or steering wheel locks as extra deterrents

    👀 Seen Anything Suspicious?
    If you spot someone looking into vehicles or acting oddly around parked cars, report it:

  • 📞 999 if a crime is in progress
  • 📞 101 for non-emergencies or to pass on concerns
  • 🕵️‍♂️ You can also report anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111

  • Reply to this message

    Message Sent By
    Aidan Ballanger
    (Police, PCSO, York Inner)

    Neighbourhood Alert Cyber Essentials