SURREY Police is this week launching the second phase of an initiative in a bid to reduce vehicle crime across the county.
The four week initiative, which will run under the previous name of Operation Marjoram, will include the release of three short crime prevention videos, highlighting the campaign's central "gone in 60 seconds" message, a stark warning to motorists that thieves can break into your car and steal your valuables within a minute.
Click here to watch first video:
As well as cracking down on thefts of vehicles and thefts from vehicles and targeting prolific offenders, the campaign is also aimed at raising awareness amongst motorists about simple measures they can take to avoid falling victim to opportunist thieves.
Police will be working with car repair and MOT garages to encourage them to fit tamper-proof number plate screws to their clients' vehicles to help prevent the theft of number plates.
"Invites" to Surrey Police's custody suites will also be sent to suspected offenders if they commit vehicle crime, with the message "We're watching you!"
The invite will include details of the Force's Integrated Offender Management scheme, which offers help to those prepared to address their offending.
The campaign will continue to be supported by a 'wrapped' car which will be driven around the county acting as a warning to both potential thieves and to vehicle owners to remove valuables and keep their vehicles locked.
The wrapping on the car shows the inside of the vehicle with various valuables left in it as a reminder to motorists how easy it is for thieves.
The messages on the car are "Don't make it easy for thieves" and "Lock your car and remove all personal possessions".
Activity will also include extra patrol teams focusing on the hot spot areas within Surrey and offenders known to be linked to vehicle crime.
The Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) team will also be stopping vehicles which are known to have been stolen or have links to offenders. The overall aim is to reduce the offences of theft from and theft of motor vehicles.
Detective Superintendent Darren McInnes, who is leading Operation Marjoram on behalf of the force, said: "The second phase of Operation Marjoram will focus on the prevention and detection of vehicle crime at a time of year when we traditionally see an increase in the number of auto crimes being committed around the county.
"The force is currently achieving a 19 per cent reduction in auto crime compared with the same period last year and we want to continue to see a similar reduction going forward.
"Our officers are focused on helping to ensure that we meet this target and will carry out high visibility patrols in hot spot areas, as well as relentlessly pursuing any offender suspected of being involved in auto crime.
"The second phase of the campaign will focus heavily on the prevention of vehicle crime and highlight some simple steps drivers can take to avoid falling victim to thieves.
Det Supt McInnes continued: "Officers will also be taking a wrapped car around to key hot spot areas around the county reminding motorists that opportunist thieves operate in their area, and pointing out some of the steps they can take to prevent themselves from becoming a victim."
Supt McInnes advises the following steps to reduce vehicle crime: •Always lock your car when you leave it, even if it's just for a few moments. Make sure windows and sunroofs are shut and locked too. •Never leave any personal possessions in your car. Thieves love to steal sat navs, laptops and mobile phones. But less obvious items such as clothes and loose change are also appealing. •Don't leave valuables hidden in your boot or under car seats. Thieves know where to look. •Don't store driving or vehicle documents in your glove box. Keep them stored safely at home. •If your car doesn't have an alarm, get one fitted or use a steering lock to deter thieves. •Look after your car keys. Keep them on you when out and about. When at home keep them hidden and not in view of a window, door or letterbox. •Secure your number plate with clutch head screws to avoid becoming a victim of 'car cloning'. Keep your eye out for potential car criminals. If you see someone looking inside cars or trying door handles call Surrey Police on 101. In an emergency always call 999.
