Vehicles and tools top crime clampdown crusade.
A new crime plan, designed to inform residents on vehicle and tool safety has been launched by the Crime Commissioner and Thames Valey Police, which looks after Milton Keynes.
The Commissioner's office is working with the police and partners, retailers and hoteliers on the campaign which, it’s hoped, will raise awareness of precautions local people can take to help reduce theft risk.
The campaign comes following the news that in the 12 months to the end of August this year, there were 3,500 vehicle thefts and more than 6,500 thefts from vehicles in the Thames Valley area.
“This dedicated crime prevention campaign, in support of ongoing policing activity, aims to inform residents about how to keep vehicles and tools safe from criminals,” said PCC Matthew Barber.
“Vehicle crime is currently down in the Thames Valley compared to last year. However, I want this trend to continue which is why it remains a priority in my Police and Crime Plan. Vehicle crime has a significant impact on victims and on feelings of safety in our communities which undermines public confidence.”
The campaign will consist of a car advice posters and literature with more detailed advice and guidance and will be distributed through the PCC’s partners and stakeholders.
In addition, they will host tool marking events providing tradespeople an opportunity to speak to industry experts and have their tools protectively marked, improving the chances of them being returned in the event that they are stolen.
In the coming months, residents can expect to see the advice posters in hotspot locations such as Park and Rides, shopping centre car parks and hotels.
Alongside this activity, the Office of the Police & Crime Commissioner will be sharing a host of ongoing crime prevention advice across its channels. These will be aimed at all vehicle owners including motorcycle owners.
For further information, including details on how retailers and hoteliers can get involved in supporting the campaign, please visit the PCC website.
