Humberside Police are urging motorists across the East Riding of Yorkshire to leave their vehicles secure and remove items from display after five vehicle crimes last weekend in the area.
Drivers are now being asked to think “Display and Pay” before they leave their vehicles as this can lead to thefts from motor vehicles.
The incidents were:
• A secure blue coloured Citroen C1 was approached by an offender between 2200hrs and 2255hrs on Sunday 12 February 2012 on Golf Links Road, Hull. The offender forced entry into the car via the passenger side window before stealing a handbag from the front passenger seat and a SAT NAV from the dash board.
• A secure yellow coloured Fiat Ducato multijet van was approached by an offender between 2200hrs on Saturday 11 February and 0800hrs on Sunday 12 February 2012 on Bellfield Drive, Willerby. The offender gained entry by the rear doors before stealing a portable drill and two socket sets.
• A secure silver coloured Ford transit was approached between 2045hrs on Saturday 11 February and 1500hrs on Sunday 12 February 2012 on Flax Mill Walk, Gilberdyke. The offender entered the van via the rear door before stealing large number of power tools from the rear cab.
• A secure white coloured Citroen van was approached by an offender between 1730hrs on Saturday 11 February and 10300hrs on Sunday 12 February 2012 on South Drive, Middleton on the Wolds. The offender forced entry into the van via the rear window before stealing tools from within.
• A secure white coloured Nissan Terrano 4×4 was approached between 2100hrs on Saturday 11 February and 0800hrs on Sunday 12 February 2012 on Travis Road, Cottingham. The offender forced entry into the car before stealing tools from the boots.
Officers are hoping the public will listen to warnings and think about the security of their vehicles when preparing to leave them unattended.
Tracy Rokahr, Crime Reduction Officer for the East Riding of Yorkshire said: “Humberside Police are committed to tackling vehicle crime across the county, however we need the publics help with crime reduction and information about who is responsible for the thefts.
“I would urge motorist to always leave there cars secure and never leave property on display as offenders will normally look for an easy target. Owners should also consider fitting alarms and steering locks for extra security. People with commercial vehicles like vans should consider emptying vehicles over night and adding extra locks to doors.
“I would also urge the public to be our eyes and ears reporting any information about suspicious behaviour, coming forward if they witnessed offences and helping to identify those responsible for the thefts. With the publics help we can bring offenders to justice and make the East Riding of Yorkshire even safer.”
Police are also appealing for information after two thefts in Sproatley last week. The details are:
• A secure white coloured Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van was approached by two offenders between 2200hrs on Thursday 09 February and 0830hrs on Friday 10 February 2012 on Raleigh Drive, Sproatley. The offenders forced entry into the rear of the van before stealing three boxed JVC car radio/cd players.
• A secure white Citroen Visa van was approached 0030hrs and 0800hrs on Friday 10 February 2012 in the car park of the Blue Bell Inn, Main Road, Sproatley. The offender forced entry via the passenger side sliding door before stealing an orange coloured Husquarna 235 petrol driven chain saw.
Anyone who may have information about the vehicle crimes above or know the whereabouts of the stolen property are asked to contact Humberside Police on 101 or alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
