News
Car key burglaries warning in Walsall
Police in Walsall are asking homeowners to be vigilant following a number of burglaries across the borough, where keys and vehicles have been stolen.
Officers are encouraging people to think about where they store their keys and make sure they don’t give opportunist thieves the chance to steal their vehicle and when possible to make use of garages to store cars.
Supt Dave Sturman from Walsall Local Policing Unit, said: “We have had a number of instances recently where thieves have stolen car keys through various means and driven away in the vehicle on the drive. Most of the vehicles targeted are high performance and value cars.”
Supt Sturman added: “Due to increased technology car thieves these days need to get keys from the owners in order to steal them and we want to warn people to make sure they do not make themselves vulnerable and if they have access to a garage-use it.”
Eleven car key burglaries have been reported across the borough over the past five weeks- the majority have been in the New Invention, Bloxwich, Streetly and Pheasey areas.
The offences include opportunist theft of keys, where householders have left keys nearby and offenders forcing their way into properties.
The vehciles targeted are mainly high-performance such as Land Rovers, Range Rovers and also a BMW and Audi.
Local police neighbourhood teams will be delivering leaflets to the areas affected by the crime.
Householders can use the following advice:
Make sure windows and doors are locked securely
Where possible use a garage
Don’t leave keys near the door
Fit a car alarm or immobiliser
Have all glass surfaces security etched
Keep your vehicle locked at all times
For more information on how to protect your car and home contact Walsall Police on 0345 113 5000 or visit the website: www.west-midlands.police.uk