Night raiders attack cars

1:00pm Wednesday 20th August 2008

THIEVES are targeting cars in Wallingford and surrounding villages, and the spate of thefts has prompted police to make an urgent appeal for people to be more careful about what they leave in their vehicles - and where they leave them.

Older cars, which have fewer security features, are the main ones to be attacked, but newer ones are not immune.

In July, there were ten thefts from cars in Wallingford itself, two cars were stolen, and attempts were made on another five.

And there were thefts from six cars in Crowmarsh.

Already in August there have been several more.

Laptops, CD players, iPods, satellite navigation systems, car radios, and clothing have all been taken after windows have been smashed or doors forced open.

Thames Valley Police crime reduction officer, Mark Bradfield, said: "There is no pattern to the offences, except that they happen mainly at night.

"The vehicles have been attacked in the street seemingly at random - there are no particular hotspots.

"That means everyone has to be extra careful and vigilant.

"Officers are doing everything they can to catch the culprits, but we are issuing both a warning and a plea to the public.

"The warning is that all types of cars are being attacked, but the older cars are the main targets.

"The plea is for people to be more careful about what they leave in their cars.

"In one incident, an iPod, wallet, and CD player were stolen from an L-registered VW Golf.

"These thefts can simply be to get the goods for themselves - or to sell them on to feed a drug habit.

"We are asking people not to leave things in their cars, or to lock items away securely, so that they cannot be seen from the outside.

"And we are asking people to think about where they park, asking them to leave the vehicles in well-lit areas, rather than down side streets.

"We must all work as hard as we can to make life difficult for the thieves and to help the police catch the culprits."

Mr Bradfield urged anyone who knows who is committing the crimes to contact the police, on 08458 505505.

They can leave information anonymously on Crimestoppers, on 0800 555111.

He said: "We must all help each other to stop these thefts - we are all motorists, and it could be our cars next if we are not extra careful."