Police warn travellers to secure cars from thieves

Car thief
Image caption,

Police advised regular travellers to "leave glove boxes empty and open"

  • Published

Guernsey Police has warned residents travelling to the UK on holiday to secure their vehicles after "reports of thieves" earlier this year.

It said there were reports of Channel Islanders' vehicles being targeted when parked overnight near ports on the South Coast.

The Bailiwick Law Enforcement Facebook page published a post reminding people to "please ensure your cars are locked, and valuables are not clearly visible from the outside."

It said the thieves were "opportunists" and to "lock your car, hide your belongings, keep your valuables on you".

'Lights and CCTV'

"If you’re leaving belongings inside your car when travelling, particularly in areas like these that may be being targeted, please ensure your cars are locked, and valuables are not clearly visible from the outside," Guernsey Police said.

"Things like charging cables should also be removed from anywhere visible within the vehicle.

"We’d recommend people bring anything of value inside the hotel with them, and, if possible, park somewhere with lights and CCTV coverage."

It also advised regular travellers to "leave glove boxes empty and open" or "invest in signage advising that there are no valuables left in the vehicle".

It added: "Thieves like these are opportunists: if we deny them any opportunities, we are far more likely to avoid becoming their victims."

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