Police Warning To Car Owners

We are urging drivers, particularly Ford owners, to be security conscious after a number of thefts across the county.

During the past four weeks a total of 28 vehicles have been stolen, 11 of those being Fords, with sports editions such as ST or RS models being targeted most frequently.

Thefts have taken place all across the county, including in Derby, South Derbyshire and Erewash, the Amber Valley, Derbyshire Dales and in the High Peak, but we have noticed a slightly higher number in the North East Derbyshire area.

The most recent incident took place sometime overnight between Sunday 9 February and Monday 10 February. A red Ford Fiesta ST was stolen from The Wynd in Renishaw.

Inquiries are underway and officers would like to hear from anyone who may have noticed anything suspicious, or with information about these thefts.

We are also urging drivers to be more alert to security, and offering advice on how to protect their vehicles, including:

• If you have a garage please park your vehicle in it and make sure it is secure.
• Use a good quality steering wheel lock to help prevent the theft of your vehicle.
• Consider having a tracker fitted to your car and if you have one make sure it has been switched on.
• Keep your car keys safe inside your home. Make sure all windows and doors are closed and locked before going to bed and don’t leave keys in a place which would be easily noticed from the outside.
• Keep keys in a faraday pouch to help block any signals which can be used by thieves.

PC Scott Jeffreys, of our roads crime unit, said: “We would encourage drivers to be vigilant with vehicle security and to report any suspicious activity to us. People should use additional deterrents such as steering wheel locks, trackers and immobilisers, and if possible park in a secure garage if they have one.

“To be clear, the only people responsible for these incidents are the thieves who took the vehicles and our officers are carrying out inquiries to find them, while taking part in regular operations to proactively prevent and target road crime throughout Derbyshire.”

If anyone has any information about crime, or to report suspicious activity, please contact the police using one of the following non-emergency contact methods.

• Facebook – send a private message to /DerbyshireConstabulary
• Twitter – direct message the contact centre on @DerPolContact
• Website – complete the online contact form www.derbyshire.police.uk/Contact-Us.
• Phone – call on 101.

You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111

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