Crime Prevention advice - Theft from Motor Vehicles

Dear residents,
 
We have seen an increase in thefts from motor vehicles in the Winchester District, 3 of these in Otterbourne.
 
Can you help the Police? Do you have CCTV/Ring doorbell cameras? Have you noticed anything suspicious that the Police should be aware of?
 
We are particularly interested in any footage from the early hours on 25/04/22. Several vehicles in Sparsholt were also targeted that same morning.
 
Please email winchester.rural.police@hampshire.police.uk with any information you may have.
 
 
Most offences of theft from vehicle are opportunist. If valuable possessions (e.g. handbags, laptops, mobile phones) are left on show inside a vehicle, it is much more likely to be targeted by thieves. Even items of little value, such as shopping bags and clothing, may tempt a potential thief to break into the vehicle to see whether they contain anything worth stealing.
 
Offences can take place during the day or night, whether a vehicle is parked in a driveway, on the street or in a public car park. Typically, thieves will smash windows to gain entry. Sometimes they will break door locks or, on older vehicles, prise the door away from the body of the vehicle.
 
Prevention advice:

• When leaving your vehicle, close all windows and lock your car.
• Upon locking your vehicle test the door to ensure it is definitely locked.
• Park your vehicle in an attended car park.
• Look for public car parks approved by the Park Mark scheme.
• When parking at home, use your garage. If you don't have a garage, park in a well-lit area if possible.
• Don't leave anything on display in your vehicle.
• Take all your personal possessions with you.
• Do not hide any valuable items. Take it with you or leave it at home.
• Leave the glove box open to show there's nothing inside.
• Do not store ownership documents inside the vehicle.
• For information on alarms speak to your manufacturer and visit the Sold Secure website.

 
Kind Regards
 
PCSO 15075 Michelle Wilkinson
 
Winchester Rural Neighbourhood Policing Team
Alresford Police Office | Hampshire Constabulary