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Police are issuing a car crime warning after crooks stooped to a new low

by Ian Shires on 28 July, 2014

Police are issuing a car crime warning after crooks stooped to a new low by stealing a teddy from the back seat.

telegraph .co.uk

telegraph .co.uk

The Peugeot 308 had been left unlocked on the drive of a house in Willenhall when thieves struck overnight.

A cuddly dog from the animal charity RSPCA was taken when access was gained via the boot. Nothing else was taken in the crime.

Sergeant Gurmit Nagra, from Walsall police station, said: “The teddy is the latest example of the unusual items thieves will steal if the opportunity presents itself. In December last year we revealed how a lunchbox and even a packet of Starburst sweets had been taken in separate crimes in Birmingham.”

Over the past month there have been 11 car crimes reported in Willenhall with the peak days for crimes being Saturday and Monday in the early morning between 5am and 10am and in the early evening between 5pm and 9pm.

In most cases a side window is smashed to gain access to the car but officers are noticing a new trend in cars being left unlocked and unattended.

Number plates, sat navs and other electronics are the most common items stolen.

“While the property taken may seem inexpensive and insignificant, the people whose cars are targeted are often left with expensive repair bills,” added Sgt Nagra.

“In many cases, insurers will not cover the repairs or the cost of replacing stolen property because the policy has been forfeited by leaving items on display or their vehicle unlocked.”

Sgt Nagra has this advice for drivers:

• Don’t leave keys in the ignition when the car is left unattended
• Lock your car when you leave it
• Don’t leave anything on display
• Take your satnav with you when you leave the car and remove any marks left by satnav suction pads
• If you have a garage, use it!
• Never leave valuables in the glove box

Officers have been working hard to put the brakes on car thieves. Between April 2013 and March 2014 Walsall Police investigated 1,948 crimes down 2,744 offences from a high of 4,692 in 2002/2003.

For free car security tips visit: http://www.safermotors.co.uk/

The crime happened between 9.30pm on Saturday 14 June and 0700am on Sunday 15 June

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