Police warning over valuables left on display

POLICE in E District identified 725 vehicles over the Christmas and New Year period with valuables left on display.

326 vehicles were identified in the North of the District (Banbridge and Craigavon) and 399 in the South (Armagh and Newry).

The vehicles were identified as part of a proactive operation which ran from 1 December 2012 to 13 January 2013. Officers on patrol identified vehicles with items of value, such as laptops, mobile phones, handbags etc, on display therefore making them more likely targets of crime. Police contacted last registered owners of the vehicles to make them aware of the potential risks of leaving valuables on display and provided 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.”