Residents in Swindon are being urged to remain vigilant following a series of break-ins targeting vehicles in the area.
In recent weeks, there has been a concerning increase in reports of vehicle thefts, particularly in the town centre and Broadgreen areas of Swindon.
While authorities are actively pursuing leads, it is essential for vehicle owners to prioritise the security of their vehicles and take measures to prevent theft. One crucial step is to ensure that all valuables are removed from vehicles, as leaving items such as coats, bags, or boxes visible can attract potential thieves.
In addition, local taxis have also been targeted, prompting recommendations for taxi operators to remove any identifiers that may make their vehicles more susceptible to theft, especially overnight.
Sergeant Davidson of the Swindon Central South Neighbourhood Team said: “We are aware that these break ins are causing concern in our communities at present and please rest assured that we are pursuing a number of leads to locate and arrest the offenders.
“Vehicle security is of paramount importance. “Thefts from motor vehicles often take place when vehicles have been left unlocked or valuables have been left on display. “I would urge all vehicle owners to please be mindful over what you’re leaving in your car and whether it could make your vehicle a target.
“Please remove all valuables from your vehicle when leaving it unattended, including what’s in the glove box as we find that’s often what’s being stolen.
“I’d also like to highlight the importance of intelligence and information from our communities. If you see something that could be suspicious then please report it to us.
“You are our eyes and ears on the ground and any piece of information is helpful.”
For further crime prevention advice, residents can visit the Wiltshire Police website at https://www.wiltshire.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/keeping-vehicles-safe/vehicle-safe-and-sound/.
