More than 40 cars hit by thieves in Shrewsbury crimewave
Thieves have hit more than 40 cars in Shrewsbury in the past five weeks, police have revealed.
West Mercia Police said today that people leaving car doors and boots unlocked had contributed to the "significant" increase.
Cash, credit cards, purses and wallets, work tools, laptops, clothing, mobile phones and CDs have among the items stolen from vehicles.
Cars parked on personal driveways are among those being targeted across the town.
Police are now urging town residents to tighten up on security and ensure their vehicles are securely locked, with alarms set.
Inspector Graham Preece said: "The offences are not confined to any one area of the town but tend to be spread over the whole area. Areas where there have been more than one incident, include Bicton Heath, Copthorne, Meole Brace and Underdale Road.
"The majority of incidents have occurred overnight outside owners' homes. A small number have involved cars at local beauty spots such as Haughmond Hill where property has been left on view."
Inspector Preece said that in some cases, vehicles had been left insecure with doors unlocked. In others, windows had been smashed or doors forced.
"In a significant number of recent incidents, no damage has been caused, indicating that victims are leaving their vehicles unlocked. It's also clear that alarms are often not being set," he said.
He said many of the targeted vehicles were on driveways where owners were under the false impression they were safe from crime.
"The message is that offenders will go on to drives to test the door to see if it is locked. If not secure, it takes just seconds for them to steal anything on view or to search the glove compartment," he said.
Inspector Preece added: "People can make sure doors are locked at all times even when the vehicle is left for just a minute or two, and secondly, to ensure nothing of value is left on view and better still, removed from the vehicle altogether.
"Do not leave items in parked vehicles overnight and that includes valuable work tools. If you have to leave anything of value inside, lock it out of sight in the boot.
"If you see something which raises your suspicions, do call the police immediately on the 101 number."
