Thirteen thefts from vehicles since July

There’ve been 13 incidents of thefts from vehicles - many at Park and Ride facilities.

That’s since July 1 this year.

Police are reminding people not to keep anything of value in cars or vans – particularly where they are visible.

They’re encouraging anyone who sees any suspicious behaviour to report it.

Last month, tools valued at £5,000 were stolen from a van at the Tamnamore Park and Ride near Dungannon.

Detective Inspector Will Tate says visible objects may prove too tempting for the opportunistic thief.

“If they see it they will steal it,” he says.

“We all have a responsibility to do our bit to ensure we will not become the next victim of crime. We are working hard to ensure that crime in the area remains relatively low in comparison with other areas, and working collectively we will be more effective in combating this type of opportunistic crime,” he adds.

He says they fully investigate all reports, however, they would highlight the need for people to report suspicious activity when they see it.

Here are some crime prevention tips –

• If you keep coins in your car to pay for parking, keep them in a closed ashtray or out of sight.

• ALL handbags, jackets, wallets, laptops, sat navs, phones and so on should be never be left in a vehicle.

• A portable Sat-Nav should be taken out of the vehicle or locked in a boot together with the cradle. Any suction cup marks on the windscreen should be wiped away as their presence will indicate to the thief that you may have a device, such as a Sat-Nav, hidden in the glove compartment.

• Keep the inside of the vehicle tidy as an untidy vehicle containing opened mail, plastic bags and so on may attract the curiosity of a thief.

• If there is nothing in the glove compartment, leave it open to view.

• Remove the facia of your sound system if possible.

• Never keep valuable tools in unattended vehicles.