Dacorum vehicle thefts increase by over 150 per cent

Thefts of items from vehicles has also increased. <i>(Image: PA)</i>
Thefts of items from vehicles has also increased. (Image: PA)
This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald.

Vehicle thefts in Dacorum have increased by 155 per cent over the past year.

According to Hertfordshire police, Stevenage also saw a rise in the thefts of vehicles, at 150 per cent.

Three Rivers recorded the third-highest rise in vehicle thefts, at 116 per cent.

READ MORE

  • Van 'tactically stopped' on A1(M) after alleged attempted vehicle theft
  • Fewer than a quarter of car thefts attended by police, figures show

Overall, thefts of vehicles and thefts of items from vehicles have increased by 12 per cent accross Hertfordshire.

Thefts from vehicles have increased by 56 per cent in Dacorum, 45 per cent in Welwyn Hatfield and 21 per cent in Broxbourne.

According to Hertfordshire Constabulary, most items were taken when vehicles had been left unattended.

                                                                                             

Get more stories like this delivered to your inbox every week by signing up to our newsletter.

                                                                                             

Catalytic converters are still being targeted, due to the precious metals that they contain.

Crime Prevention Officer, Darren Cowell, said: “Many reported thefts from vehicles occur when they are left unlocked, so leaving valuable items on display in a vehicle is a sure way to encourage opportunistic thieves to check the door handles.

"Removing any items such as bags, boxes, coats or loose change is an easy way to make your vehicle safer.

"I would also urge the public to follow our advice, remain vigilant and report suspicious incidents in their neighbourhood, particularly where people are trying to get under cars in public car parks or on public roads.

"If you see this happening, please call 999 immediately.”

 

Get involved
with the news

Send your news & photos