Over 300 cars had valuables on display
OVER 300 car owners in the Banbridge and Craigavon area had valuables on display when they left their vehicles over the Christmas period, police have reported.
Officers in E District identified a total of 725 vehicles with valuables on display - 326 were located in the Banbridge/Craigavon area and 399 in Armagh and Newry.
The vehicles were identified as part of a pro-active operation which ran from the beginning of December last year, to January 13 2013.
Police officers identified vehicles with items of value such as laptops, mobile phones and handbags on display - a habit, which they say makes opportunistic thieves more likely to attempt a break-in.
As a result of the exercise, the registered owners were contacted to make them aware of the potential risks of leaving valuables on display. They were also provided with crime prevention advice and tips.
Community Safety Sergeant Wendy Walker explained, “The aim of this operation was to educate the public about the risks they are taking by leaving valuables on view in their vehicles.
“No one wants to be the victim of a crime and we all have a responsibility to protect ourselves and our property in the best way we can.”
Anyone who would like further advice can contact their local crime prevention officer on 0845 600 8000.