Residents urged to protect their cars from thieves
RESIDENTS are being urged to protect their cars against thieves.
Officers from West Yorkshire Police have issued a number of steps locals can take to protect their vehicles, including leaving them locked and secure and making sure windows are closed even during warm weather.
Residents are also advised to remove satellite navigation systems and stereos instead of hiding them under car seats, as this is the first place a thief will look.
Valuables and money should not be left on show.
Irene Fleming, the neighbourhood police team (NPT) co-ordinator for Pontefract, said: "The majority of attacked vehicles have been left insecure or inviting by their owners. Don't make it easy for them, it's your property so look after it."
Vehicle crime can also be reduced by setting up a Neighbourhood Watch scheme in your local community.
The Neighbourhood Watch scheme is a voluntary crime prevention group that works in partnership with police, the community and other agencies.
The scheme can cut crime, reduce the fear of offences happening, help identify criminals, reassure members of the public and improve communication between the community and police.
It works by getting officers and residents sharing information about local crime, reporting suspicious circumstances, taking crime prevention measures and looking after neighbours' homes when they are away.
Groups have recently been launched in Lavender Way and Lavender Court in Hemsworth.
To set up a similar scheme in your area, contact your local Neighbourhood Watch liaison officer, Karen Vezina, who will arrange a meeting between the members of the public, herself, a PC and a PCSO.
Ms Vezina will also act as a link between the police and co-ordinators of the scheme.
E-mail karen.vezina@westyorkshire.pnn.police.uk or call 01977 601164.
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Weather for Wakefield
Thursday 09 February 2012
Today
Light snow
Temperature: 0 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Light snow
Temperature: -2 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: South east
