News
Beware of car thieves
Dated: 23 Jun 2012
Police in Northumberland are reminding visitors to take their valuables with them and not to leave them in their cars.
Over the summer months the county sees an increase in visitors and tourists and officers are issuing the advice in an effort to help them avoid becoming victims of car thieves.
All motorists are advised to take all valuables with them when leaving their vehicles unattended, even for a short time, and to always lock their cars.
Never leave items of value like handbags, cameras, MP3 players, purses or mobile phones in cars or even in the boot as anything on show could attract thieves.
Morpeth Neighbourhood Inspector Dave Simpson said: "In Morpeth we carry out regular patrols of the more isolated car parks and areas where walkers and visitors tend to leave their vehicles and make sure they are safe and secure.
"We've put signs up in car parks and try to speak to as many visitors and tourists as we can and give them advice. Our message is simple and it applies to visitors as well as local residents. Don't leave anything of value in your car.
"Morpeth is a safe place to live but if motorists leave expensive items on show then thieves will take advantage. We need to do everything we can to stop them."
Between 5:15pm on Sunday, June 17, and 9am on Monday, June 18, thieves broke into a van parked in Druridge Bay country park and stole the tax disc from inside and a battery before making off.
Anyone with any information into the theft, or to report any suspicious behaviour or a crime, is asked to contact police on 101 ext 69191.