Drivers in some areas of Bromsgrove district warned over 'car door handles been tried' - The Bromsgrove Standard

Drivers in some areas of Bromsgrove district warned over 'car door handles been tried'

Bromsgrove Editorial 14th Jan, 2019   0

WEST Mercia Police are warning drivers in some areas of Bromsgrove district of opportunist thieves trying car door handles.

The advice has come from officers on the Alvechurch and Wythall Safer Neighbourhood Team after a number of reports of people walking up and down driveways in the early hours of the morning to approach vehicles parked on them.

They then try the vehicles door handles in order to see if they have been left unlocked.

Officers have warned motorists to manually check their cars and vans and ensure they have locked their vehicle when leaving it unattended.




“Should you have a faulty locking system we advise you to take appropriate action to resolve the fault and secure your vehicle in order to help prevent you from being victim of theft,” added a spokesperson.

Drivers should also consider what has been left in their unattended vehicles.


Items such as sat navs and dash cams should not be left inside and any suction marks should be removed from the windscreen as it can indicate to thieves that people own valuable devices.

No items should be left on display, such as sunglasses and cash.

Work clothing or identification passes should also not be left in vehicles as it can pose a security threat to employers and the general public if they work for a government body.

“You may also wish to contact the company who provides your vehicles motor insurance in order to clarify your vehicle’s cover as many motor insurance policies now exclude cover for any theft if the vehicle is left unlocked and unattended.

“This would apply to both privately owned vehicles but also employers need to make sure that any company vehicle user are aware of the situation and complies with it.

“It could be highly expensive for an owner should a vehicle be stolen and the insurer later refuses to pay out.

“This can be further compounded when you consider the value of any items left within in the vehicle.”

The police said a few simple steps can help reduce crime and the impact it has.

 

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