Bromsgrove car owners warned after spate of vehicle crime (From Bromsgrove Advertiser)

Bromsgrove car owners warned after spate of vehicle crime

2:00pm Sunday 17th February 2013 in News

A SPATE of vehicle crime in Bromsgrove has led police to issue a warning to residents not to leave valuables in their vehicles.

Audis and Volkswagens were specifically targeted by thieves on nights between February 10-13, although property was also taken from other makes.

Police believe the same criminals were responsible for around a dozen incidents in which cars were entered, or attempts made to steal from them, in Catshill, Harwood Park, Aston Fields, Stoke Prior and the Oakalls.

Among the items taken were sat navs, stereo systems, a toolbox and CDs. Other property was also stolen.

Shortly before 11pm on February 11 a stereo was stolen from an Audi parked in Royal Worcester Crescent.

Two males wearing grey hooded tops made off from the scene in a Ford Focus which was followed by police but later found abandoned in Enfield Close.

The Focus had previously been stolen from Rubery.

Sergeant Louise Meeson said: “The thieves are mainly targeting ‘top end’ cars, such as Audis and Volkswagens, probably because they think there will be more of value to steal.

“There is nothing sophisticated about the manner of the thefts, they are simply smashing windows to get inside although some of the vehicles are believed to have been left insecure.

“We are increasing patrols in the area in an effort to catch these thieves and to provide reassurance.

“However we really need people to be aware of this and tell us if they see any vehicles in unusual circumstances or suspicious activity, and it’s vitally important that they tell us immediately, which will give us the best chance of making arrests.

“Car owners should also be mindful of their security, ensuring doors and boots are locked, alarms are set and that vehicles are not left unattended with removable sat navs or anything else of value inside.”

Anyone with information about any of the thefts, or who might be responsible, is asked to call Sgt Meeson on non-emergency number 101, quoting 241-N-110213, or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.