The message is simple. If you leave your car or van unlocked or have valuable items on show inside the vehicle, such as sat-navs, mobile phones and mp3 players, you have a much higher risk of becoming a victim of car crime.
However, despite the repeated reminders and the obvious fact that leaving a car unlocked makes it an easy target for thieves, over a third of reported car crime this month in the borough relates to insecure vehicles.
The majority of theft from and theft of motor vehicles takes place during the night when a car or van has been left parked out on the street.
Temporary Chief Supt Tweed said: “Officers will be out in these key areas during the evenings and early mornings delivering crime reduction leaflets and trying car doors, checking to see who has left their vehicles unlocked or valuable items on show.
“Anyone who has left their car or van unlocked may find an officer knocking at their door, whatever the time of day or night, reminding them of the need to keep their vehicle secure.
“With support from the communities and information provided to Crimestoppers, officers are continuing to tackle thefts from and of motor vehicles. However, it is not unreasonable to ask Rotherham residents to ensure that they always lock their cars and vans when leaving them unattended and take out any valuable items which would be left on view to passers-by.”
Adding to this, due to the warm weather we have noticed an increase in so called "sneak-in" burglaries, you know the thing, a warm day, windows and doors downstairs left open or ajar, you are sat in the garden enjoying the weather whilst someone is in your house stealing your property.
Rotherham North SNT have delivered around 5000 crime prevention leaflets leaflets to properties in our "patch" Identifying both vehicle and "sneak-in" crime
For further information about police activity in your area and the priorities being tackled by your local Safer Neighbourhood Team, visit: www.southyorks.police.uk and enter your postcode.