Campaign against beauty spot crime launched (From Bromsgrove Advertiser)

Campaign against beauty spot crime launched

5:00pm Monday 10th September 2012 in News

A NEW joint campaign has been launched to prevent motorists becoming victims of vehicle crime at two Bromsgrove beauty spots.

Tens of thousands of visitors use the Lickey Hills Country Park and Clent Hills annually, parking on the beauty spots’ car parks.

Historically, these areas have been high risk areas for vehicle crime, with unsuspecting walkers having their vehicles targeted by thieves seeking unlocked, unsecured vehicles, or ones with valuable on show.

A new crime cutting campaign has been launched jointly by West Mercia Police and Bromsgrove District Council.

The campaign aims to ensure offenders are kept on their toes and that motorists remain vigilant.

New advisory notices for motorists have gone up, warning drivers of the dangers of leaving valuables in their vehicles whilst enjoying the countryside.

On top of regular patrols, the council’s community safety enforcement officers and the police will be conducting a round of vulnerable vehicle checks at the beauty spot car parks.

Any vulnerable vehicles spotted will receive follow-up letters from the authorities, advising how their vehicle had been left vulnerable to thieves.

Sergeant Carl Paskin said: “We always urge people to either leave valuables at home or take them with them when they have parked up.

“It is particularly important that they do not arrive on the car parks and hide their valuables, as thieves may well be watching.

Bromsgrove District Councillor Margaret Sherrey, responsible for community safety, said: “If we can see that your car is a target, you can be sure that thieves will too.

“We hope to help cut car crime by ensuring people know the key things to do to reduce the likelihood of their cars being targeted by thieves.

“Secure your car, don’t gamble while you ramble.”