TWO men have been arrested on suspicion of burglary and vehicle crime offences in Redditch.
The two 31-year-old men from Redditch were arrested this morning (Friday, November 24) and they currently remain in police custody.
Inspector Mark Chapell from Redditch Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “Over the past months we have seen a rise in thefts from motor vehicles and are working hard to identify and deter offenders.
“The criminals frequently search within vehicles including inside the glove box, dashboard compartments and underneath and behind seats for hidden items including laptops, tablet computers and a hands-free mobile phone kit.
“Don’t give opportunists a free ride.
“We are seeking the support of the public to remove from their vehicles overnight anything that may tempt a thief, including jackets and bags, even if these do not contain any items of financial value.”
The advice comes after a spate of thefts from motor vehicles in Redditch, and police are urging all residents to remove all items that may tempt a thief from their cars and vans whilst parked overnight.
The offenders largely operate overnight and usually gain entry to vehicles by smashing a window or doors are forced open.
The thieves are mainly targeting, power tools from within vans, dash-cams left on display which is often “wired in” to a vehicle’s electrical supply. Other items include Sat-Navs, purses, wallets, contactless payment cards and even loose change.
Vehicle theft prevention advice:
• Vehicles should be locked at all times and all tools should be property marked.
• When leaving your vehicle overnight, park in well-lit areas and near your home if possible – with valuables removed from the vehicle.
• Tools that need to be left in the vehicle should be stored securely and not left on display.
• If your vehicle is not alarmed, consider having an immobiliser fitted. They can work as a deterrent and will draw people’s attention to the vehicle if it is broken into.
• Consider having your tools marked, so if they are stolen and recovered, the owner can be identified.
If you witness any suspicious behaviour, please call West Mercia Police on 101 or if you see a vehicle being broken into and a crime is taking place, call 999.
Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their website.
