Theft from cars in Harpenden up by 100 per cent
Two men were caught on camera trying to break into a car in Harpenden - Credit: Archant
Theft from cars is up by 100 per cent in one part of the district.
Two men were caught on camera trying to break into a car in Harpenden - Credit: Archant
Statistics from Herts Police have revealed instances of theft from vehicles in Harpenden doubled from eight in October 2015 to 16 in October 2016.
David Fletcher, a former Met Police officer from Harpenden, recently took to social media to warn fellow residents about the risk of car theft after he was targeted twice.
He was in between CCTV systems when his car was first broken into, but weeks later when he had installed his new system, the cameras recorded two men attempt to break into his car once again.
He told the Herts Advertiser: “Some weeks ago I was in the middle of changing our CCTV when our car was entered. Nothing major was stolen; a cheap Sat Nav and loose change.
Two men were caught on camera trying to break into a car in Harpenden - Credit: Archant
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“I re-installed a new system and two weeks later they were back and did the exact same again, except this time they didn’t manage to get in.”
David said that he was sure it was the same people who were targeting the area, but currently only one person had been arrested in relation to theft from vehicles in Harpenden.
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He added that he was now extra cautious and checked his CCTV every day, warning others in the town to be vigilant with their car security.
David said: “Nothing is going to get done about it unless people know it’s happening.”
He added that people should report any suspicious activity or images they had to the police, as it could help with a future prosecution.
Despite the spike in Harpenden, October statistics in other parts of the district are down on last year.
Instances in St Albans nearly halved, dropping from 27 to 15, and London Colney dropped from nine to eight.
But as a whole, 2016 has seen an increase in thefts from cars, with recorded instances from April to October up from 295 in 2015 to 320 in 2016 (8.5 per cent).
If you see any suspicious activity it can be reported to Herts Police via the non-emergency number 101.
