Vehicle Safety

There have been a few car thefts in Rochdale recently.

Please lock your car every time and check the windows are shut. Take everything off the seats and dashboard so nothing is on show. Keep your keys and fobs well away from the front door and windows.

If your car is keyless, keep the fob in a signal blocking pouch. Turn off the keyless feature in the car settings if you don’t need it. Keep spare keys hidden and shielded.

Park in a lit spot or in view of a camera or doorbell if you can. On a drive, close the gates. Turn your wheels towards the kerb and use a steering wheel lock. Simple, visible locks put thieves off.

Look out for people trying door handles, covering number plates, or slowly circling the same streets. If it feels off, it probably is.

If a crime is happening now, call 999. Don’t confront anyone. Note the number plate, make, colour, direction of travel, time and anything distinctive about the people or vehicle. If it’s not urgent, report to GMP on 101 or online, then tell your insurer.

If your car is stolen and you have a tracker, give the location to the police and don’t go to the vehicle yourself.