Directory

Access tools

Set Text size

A

|

A

|

A

Set Contrast

A

|

A

|

A

Text only
Translation
Listen

News

Who Are You Buying For in the Sales?

Shoppers taking advantage of the sales are being warned that opportunist thieves can be hard at work at this time of year.

Vehicle crime in Poole is on the decrease thanks to the combined efforts of agencies on Poole’s Crime and Disorder Partnership and the introduction of a full-time security patrol officer to look after the Town Centre car parks. However, the Vehicle Crime Task Group, part of the Crime and Disorder Partnership, are warning shoppers not to be complacent and offer the following advice:

• Ensure all your doors, windows and sunroof are securely shut and locked. Use an immobiliser if you have one. \n

• Never leave your valuables or any shopping on display – hide them out of sight in the boot or take them with you and ensure the receipts are kept separately from the shopping. \n

• Leave valuables such as mobile phones, digital cameras, laptops etc at home if you don’t need them. \n

• Always park in a well-lit recognised parking bay. If you park during daylight and will be returning after dusk, ensure there is public lighting in the area. Keep your keys in your hand when returning to your vehicle, not in your pocket or handbag. \n

• Poole multi-storey car parks all have approved car park status which means improved security benefits such as good lighting, help/assistance buttons and entry/exit CCTV cameras. \n

Shaun Robson, Chairman of the Vehicle Crime Task Group, said: "The group have looked at all aspects of vehicle crime and have targeted resources more effectively. The levels of incidents recorded are some of the lowest ever and we are ahead of our three year target already. But we cannot become complacent. People should take the time to look after their car and their valuables."

In addition, there has been a spate of moped thefts during the year and to tackle this the local authority, police and Halfords at Ringwood Road, Poole, have joined forces to offer moped owners in Poole a hugely discounted lock for their mopeds. Moped owners need to take their Registration Document showing residency in Poole to either Poole or Gravel Hill Police Station and they will be given a voucher to take to Halfords in Ringwood Road to obtain their disc lock.

Councillor Chris Bulteel, Chair of the Crime and Disorder Partnership, said: "Many people are ready to pay out for a new moped but fail to think about the security aspect at the time of purchase. We hope that this offer will be taken up and improve the figures relating to moped crime in the area."

Shaun Robson, Team Manager, Environmental and Consumer Protection Services, Borough of Poole, tel 01202 261736