Drivers urged to take precautions following spate of vehicle thefts

Drivers urged to take precautions following spate of vehicle thefts

We are urging drivers to take precautions to help prevent vehicle theft following an increase in a number of reports of vehicles being stolen in Newcastle-under-Lyme recently.

Just before 7am today (Monday 18 August) we received a report that a Ford Transit had been stolen overnight from a property on Heathcote Road.

And on Saturday (16 August) two electric bikes worth around £2,500 were stolen on Apedale Road.

Our investigations are ongoing.

PC Heather Bolam, from our Newcastle-under-Lyme local policing team (LPT) said: “We are working hard to gather evidence following these two incidents over the past few days and return the vehicles to their owners whilst prosecuting those responsible.

“I would urge all vehicle owners to take extra care and follow a few simple steps to help prevent vehicle thefts.”

Officers advise that:

You should always lock your car if you’re leaving it for any period of time

Keep keys safe and out of sight, ideally in a faraday pouch and turn off wireless signals when not in use

When you are driving, always keep the doors locked, particularly if you’re stationary in traffic

Always park responsibly, ideally in a well-lit secure car park covered by CCTV

Fit an immobiliser as well as a steering wheel lock.

For more tips on how protect your vehicle from theft, visit: Preventing car and vehicle theft | Crime Prevention | Staffordshire Police

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Sarah Garner
(Staffordshire Police, Communications Officer, Staffordshire)