HIDE YOUR CAR KEYS AND LOCK UP AT NIGHT.

There has been a steady increase in burglaries across the Division where car keys have been specifically targeted. Since 1st June 06 to 17 July 06 a total of 31 offences has been recorded. Most of these offences have occurred overnight between 0200 and 0500, with a smaller spike between 1400 and 1700. The burglars are particularly favouring our area - over half of these offences were in Rushcliffe.

The favoured method of entry to houses is through an open or insecure door or window. This would indicate that residents are failing to secure their homes. Despite the recent heat wave, this needs addressing urgently. We would urge people to heed police advice to hide their car keys at night and Lock Up .

Analysis of types of vehicles stolen has revealed that they fall into four distinct groups.

Luxury cars : Mercedes Benz, Jaguar, BMW etc.

Sports cars : Porsche, TVR etc,

Executive cars : Saab; Alfa - Romeo, Audi, etc.

Four x Fours : Range Rover, Mitsubishi Shogun, Toyota Land Cruiser etc.

Of the 31 offences only three "older" ( S or pre S registration) vehicles were stolen. The rest are T prefix or later , all of which ( excluding grey imports) will be fitted with engine immobilisers. Traditional thefts of motor vehicles over the same period had 50% of vehicles stolen being "older".

This confirms that a thief's easiest way of stealing a new production car is by gaining access to the keys.

Many of these stolen vehicles are never found or are seriously damaged when recovered.

Take sensible precautions to avoid becoming a victim. Remember if your car is stolen many Insurance Companies will not immediately pay for a replacement vehicle. This could cause you additional trauma, considerable financial loss and inconvenience.

Always - Hide your car keys and Lock Up your home at night.