Spate of St Albans vehicle thefts caused by people forgetting to lock their cars
Vehicle security - Credit: Archant
Two arrests have been made following a spate of 43 thefts from vehicles in St Albans in the last two weeks.
Out of all these incidents, 53 per cent of the vehicles targeted had been left unlocked.
St Albans Ch Insp Shane O’Neill said: “Over half of our thefts from motor vehicles were from insecure vehicles.
“We believe these criminals, who are stealing loose change, sunglasses and sat navs, probably to fund their drug habits, are opportunist.
“The only way to help reduce this crime is by locking your vehicle and shutting windows, doors and sunroofs when you leave your vehicle.
“If it is locked, they will try another vehicle, so save yourself the inconvenience and unnecessary cost of having to replace your property.”
There were 19 thefts in St Albans, 14 in Harpenden, and 10 in London Colney between Monday, August 21 and Sunday, September 3.
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Only 10 vehicles were broken into, including six vans which had all the tools stolen from them.
Sat navs, sunglasses, and even golf clubs were also stolen from vehicles.
In other cases, fuel was siphoned out the car, number plates were stolen, and wheels were taken.
For more information, visit www.herts.police.uk/crimeprevention
