Vehicle Safety

WESTCOTES – VEHICLE BREAK-INS: A QUICK REMINDER 

We have received an increased number of reports of vehicles being broken into in and around Westcotes. We are sharing this message to help residents take a few extra steps to make their vehicles less attractive to offenders.

A few things you may not have considered:

Check your vehicle from an offender’s point of view – Before leaving it, look through the windows. Could someone see a bag, coat, cable, phone holder or other item that might suggest something valuable is inside? If so, remove it or put it away.

Don’t use the boot as a hiding place – If you move valuables into the boot while parked somewhere, an offender may have already watched you do it. Where possible, put items in the boot before you set off.

Remove evidence of expensive equipment – Phone mounts, laptop bags, charging cables and other accessories can indicate that valuable equipment may be kept inside.

Think about your keys – If you have keyless entry, keep your keys away from doors and windows at home. Consider using a Faraday pouch to reduce the risk of relay theft.

Make your vehicle a difficult target – When choosing where to park, consider lighting, CCTV, footfall and whether the vehicle is overlooked by nearby properties. Offenders often look for vehicles where they can work unnoticed.

If you hear an alarm or see suspicious behaviour, don't put yourself at risk. Note descriptions, clothing, vehicle details and direction of travel if it is safe to do so.

Most importantly, please don't leave anything of value in your vehicle overnight — even for a few minutes. An opportunist may only need seconds.

If you witness a crime in progress or someone is in immediate danger, call 999. For non-emergency reports, contact 101 or report online.

Thank you for helping us keep Westcotes safe.

Westcotes Neighbourhood Policing Team