Police are appealing for witnesses and are asking car owners in Brookmans Park, Hatfield and Welwyn Garden City to remain vigilant after a series of vehicle break-ins.
Between September 14 and September 19, sixteen cars were broken into. Same of the vehicles were left unlocked at the time the offences happened.
Four cars were broken into overnight in Brookman’s Avenue, Brookmans Park between September 13 and September 14. The vehicles broken into include two Mercedes, a Land Rover and a Jeep. Bank cards, alcohol and a Mulberry handbag were stolen.
Between September 16 and 18 three cars – including a Land Rover, Audi and Toyota – were broken into in The Gardens, Brookmans Park overnight. Items stolen include a laptop, cash and sunglasses.
Between September 16 and September 18, three vehicles were broken into overnight in Station Road in Welham Green, Bramble Road in Hatfield and Moffatts Lane in Brookmans Park. The vehicles include an Audi, Volkswagen and a Toyota. A laptop and Sat Nav were stolen.
Between September 18 and September 19, a total of six vehicles were broken into overnight. One happened in Broadwater Crescent in Welwyn Garden City and the further five offences took place in Brookmans Park in Bluebridge Avenue, Mymms Drive and Moffatts Lane. The vehicles included a Citroen, a Mondeo, a Suzuki, a Jaguar, a Ford and a van. Items stolen include plumbing tools, a sport bag and some paperwork.
Welwyn Hatfield Safer Neighbourhood Team Inspector Jeff Scott said: “We are doing all we can to investigate these crimes and are stepping up patrols in the affected areas.
“We would be very interested to hear from anyone who has been in the areas where the incidents have happened and has seen anyone acting suspiciously. Please call us via the non-emergency number 101 or 999 if you witness a crime on-going.”
He added: “Predominantly, the thefts have taken place in the Brookmans Park area and some of the vehicles have been left unlocked and therefore vulnerable to thieves. The recent warm weather may have contributed to people taking less caution with their possessions and leaving their cars unlocked or windows open and it is vital that people do not get complacent.
“We are launching a new campaign, Operation Chariot, to encourage people to secure their vehicles and I would urge everyone to consider the following advice:
• It might sound obvious, but make sure you lock the doors and shut the windows and sunroof whenever you leave your vehicle unattended.
• Remove your Sat Nav and its holder, and wipe away any suction marks as these could suggest to a potential thief that a Sat Nav is stored in your vehicle.
• Never leave any valuables in your vehicle – not even in the glove-box or boot – and keep ALL other possessions out of sight.
• Remember to set your immobiliser and alarm if you have them.
• Register your stereo, laptop, Sat Nav and any other property on the free online property database www.immobilise.com It only takes a few minutes and could help police trace your property if it’s lost or stolen.”
For more advice about securing your vehicles visit: www.herts.police.uk/advice/crime_prevention/protect_your_property/vehicle_security.aspx
Anyone with information about these crimes is asked to get in contact via the police non-emergency number 101.
Alternatively, you can contact the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through their Anonymous Online Form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information cannot be traced or recorded and you will never need to go to court.