Leave vehicles secure in Rotherham, warn police

EXECUTIVE saloons, small family cars and vans were among the vehicles found to be insecure during an overnight operation by South Yorkshire Police.

Between midnight and 4am on Wednesday morning officers checked the doors of 614 vehicles parked in various locations across South Yorkshire as part of an ad-hoc operation to raise public awareness.

Of those cars, 11 were found to be unlocked, including a top-end Jaguar thought to be worth around £24,000.

Officers woke the owners and advised them to secure their vehicle, issuing a leaflet containing advise on keeping their property safe.

Chief Insp Iain Chorlton said: “People are making it far too easy for criminals to either steal their vehicles or steal items from them.

“For most people, their cars or vans are among the most valuable things they own, yet a surprising number of people are leaving them insecure and vulnerable.

“Check and double-check that vehicles are locked after parking them up and, if possible, also park in well-lit and safe areas to stop potential thieves in their tracks.”

Anyone with information about car crime in their area should contact police on the non-emergency number, 101.