New campaign to crack vehicle crime

Archived press release

Date Published: 10/02/10

The Aylesbury Vale Community Safety Partnership has unveiled its latest tactic to combat vehicle crime.

In a bid to reduce theft from motor vehicles, the Partnership will write to motorists who have left their vehicles vulnerable to thieves by leaving items of value on show.

‘Clear Car Campaign’ notepads will be used to record the vehicle’s details, along with the time and place it was seen and what was on display. Owners will receive a letter advising them that their vehicle was left vulnerable and be given appropriate crime prevention advice. The pocket-sized notepads will be carried around by community safety partners including Aylesbury Vale District Council’s community safety and civil enforcement officers, along with Thames Valley Police.

“We are hoping that by highlighting to people that they have left valuables in their car, it will raise awareness about the importance of removing items from view,” said Kama Wager, Crime Reduction Adviser at Thames Valley Police. “Theft from a vehicle is often a preventable crime and can be avoided. If you don’t leave valuables in your car, they can’t be stolen.”

In addition to being used within the normal duties of these officers, the notepads will also be used for targeted campaigns to raise awareness in our motor vehicle theft hotspots.

The scheme has been developed by a sub-group of the Buckinghamshire Serious Acquisitive Crime Board which seeks to reduce crimes such as robbery, burglary and vehicle crime.

For further information on the scheme or advice about crime prevention, click on the link below or call Aylesbury Vale District Council’s community safety team on 01296 585005.