Posted: Mon 12th Feb 2018

Police warning over increase in car key burglaries in Flintshire

News and Info from Deeside, Flintshire, North Wales
This article is old - Published: Monday, Feb 12th, 2018

Car owners in Flintshire are being warned about an increase in car-key burglaries which has seen owners of high performance models targeted.

North Wales Police say that there has been an increase in thieves targeting Audis, BMW’s and Volkswagen Golf Type R’s and GTI’s

Thieves break into houses looking for car keys. They can also use wires and hooks to try and drag keys through the letterbox.

Police also say the issue is increasing in the Wrexham area.

Sgt Sue Samuels said: “Please keep your keys away from doors and windows, and tucked away out of sight.

Have your vehicles windows etched with its registration number or the last seven digits of the vehicle identification number (VIN). This can put criminals off, as it makes your car more difficult to sell. It also makes it easier for the police identify and return your vehicle if it is stolen.”

Car key burglaries are often committed by criminals who are working to order and targeting certain types of vehicle, based on demand and value.

Sgt Samuel added; “If you have cars of different values, please park the higher value car in your garage.  If you can’t do this, please park the lower value car in front of the higher value car, as the thieves are more likely to target high value cars and will be deterred, if they can’t easily drive such a car away from the scene.

“All vehicle owners should be vigilant with their vehicle security and take simple crime prevention measures to deter thieves. These include keeping vehicle keys safe and out of sight both in the home and when you’re out and about”.

If you see any suspicious activity involving your home or vehicle please call 101 or use the live webchat http://www.north-wales.police.uk/contact/chat-support.aspx  and report it.

  • If you have a garage don’t use it as a storage area, clear it out and keep your vehicle secure inside it
  • If you have to park your vehicle on your driveway or on the street, consider using additional security devices, make sure the area is well lit, ensure the vehicle is secure and that nothing of value is left in it – i.e. tools, laptops, money, route finder
  • If you have gates securing your driveway area make sure you keep them closed and locked
  • If required, consider getting a professionally fitted car alarm and/or immobiliser
  • Never leave your car keys on show through a window when not using them.  Do not leave them in locks, on the window ledges or kitchen/hall tables and never on a hook behind the door or in reach of a letterbox or cat flap

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