Warning over thefts from cars at Peterborough beauty spots

The warning comes after spots in the north of Peterborough have experienced five thefts from vehicles parked up in daylight hours in the last week.

Items which have been taken include handbags, wallets, a purse and even some Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

The incidents have happened in Kings Dyke, Crown Lakes, Wansford, Castor and Thorpe Meadows.

Crime Reduction Officer Amanda Large said: “The warm weather and easing of lockdown measures has seen more people making the most of the county’s beauty spots, particularly dog walkers who park up for the afternoon while heading off around the rural areas.

“While we are doing all we can to catch those responsible for these crimes, I am urging members of the public to help us make it harder for thieves by not leaving valuables in their vehicles, including loose change and anything on display.

“An empty box, bag, or even suction marks from a sat nav can be enough to tempt a criminal to break into a vehicle. Please also double check doors are locked and windows are closed before leaving it.”

If you are planning on visiting a beauty spot please follow these guidelines to minimise the chances of your vehicle becoming a target:

Ensure all doors, windows and sunroofs are closed and locked when leaving your vehicle unattended

Always take keys out of the ignition, even if you’re only leaving your car for a moment

Never leave valuables in your vehicle and keep any other possessions out of sight. Remove your sat nav and its holder and wipe away any suction marks on windscreens as these could indicate a sat nav is stored in your vehicle

For more information on how to keep your vehicle safe please visit www.cambs.police.uk/a-z/vehicle-security.

The incidents reported to police are:

26/05/20 – Bag and PPE stolen, Kings Dyke, Whittlesey

26/05/20 – Purse stolen, Crown Lakes, Farcet

27/05/20 – Wallet stolen, Old North Road, Wansford

28/05/20 – Handbags stolen, Mill Lane, Castor

29/05/20 – Unspecified glovebox contents stolen, Thorpe Meadows