Vehicle crime is raising its ugly head

There have been 90,000 fewer offences in Notts than there were a decade ago and there has been a 12 per cent reduction in crime, compared to last year. This is fantastic progress, but, as always, there is still a way to go.

While vehicle crime has reduced by 8 per cent, with 575 fewer motorists left without their vehicle or belongings, we are still seeing too many people fall victim to this type of crime.

Vehicle theft is raising its ugly head once again in West Bassetlaw.

Specifically, it’s vehicles being stolen after keys have been left in the ignition.

Thieves are lazy, but they are also swift. In freezing February, some motorists fell victim after leaving their car to defrost and heat up on the drive. Now it’s the ‘white van men’ who are leaving their engine running as they go about their deliveries.

Thefts from vehicles in the district have reduced by five offences, but six more motorists have been left stranded, without their means of transport, and often ways of earning their crust.

Frustratingly, the majority of these thefts were preventable if basic, almost instinctive, security measures been observed.

Crime-fighting is not just down to the police. We need you, the motorist, to do your bit to prevent vehicle crime. I will continue to repeat myself in the hope that just one more person will heed my advice.