Police issue car protection advice to drivers after vehicle break-ins in Portsmouth

Hampshire Police have issued a seven-point guide to keeping your car safe after a series of vehicle break-ins in Portsmouth
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They repeated the crime prevention advice after 20 cars were broken into overnight on Tuesday last week.

Police say patrols have also been increased.

They issued this seven-point checklist to drivers:-

• Don’t leave anything in your car - if it’s not there, then it can’t be stolen.

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• Thieves aren’t picky, so don’t leave even low-value items in your car. Thieves will smash and grab first and look later to see if what they’ve stolen is valuable.

• Don’t hide it - if you hide items under the seat or in the glove box, chances are someone will have watched you. If you cannot avoid leaving something in your car, put it in your boot before you begin your journey.

• Your car isn’t safe to be left unlocked on your driveway - nearly half of all incidents where items are stolen from cars happen when they are parked overnight, close to the owner’s home.

• Don’t leave your house keys or anything with your address on it in your vehicle - someone could steal your keys and then let themselves into your home.

• Always lock your car and wind your windows up

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• Get a car alarm - they not only deter a thief from stealing the car, but also from stealing items from inside it. Have it fitted by a professional.

A Hampshire Police spokesman said: ‘Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101, quoting 44160422932. Alternatively call the anonymous Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.’