Police Warning After Thieves Target Shropshire Beauty Spots
Police have issued a warning to people visiting the Shropshire countryside to make sure they secure their cars and remove all valuables.
Police say opportunist thieves will target vehicles left at isolated rural locations, especially the county’s beauty spots.
The Easter and summer holiday periods traditionally sees an increase in vehicle crime with thieves keeping a watch for visitors departing on a walk before smashing a window or forcing a door to steal property left on view.
Prime targets are handbags, sat-nav systems, cash, CDs, shopping and clothing.
The warning has been prompted by an incident at the National Trust car park on Wenlock Edge on Sunday afternoon when property worth £750 was stolen from a car while the occupants were out walking.
It was reported by another walker who heard the sound of breaking glass within 100 yards of him setting off. He returned to the car park to find the back window in a Peugeot 405 estate smashed and the offenders driving off towards Church Stretton.
When the owners returned, they discovered a handbag stolen together with other items including two pairs of prescription glasses, a digital photo frame and two USB memory sticks.
A West Mercia Police spokesperson said: “Walkers and others visiting the countryside need to safeguard their vehicles by ensuring they are left secure with anything of value removed if possible. If it’s not possible to take possessions with you, then at least make sure nothing is left on view. Lock it in the boot.
“It’s no good putting valuables in the glove compartment or under the seat. They’ll be the first place a criminal will look. It’s best to remove temptation by ensuring nothing is left visible which suggests it’s worth breaking in for. Remember, it only takes a few seconds to smash and grab, or to force a car door.”
Police are also issuing a similar warning to people parked at hotels in the county, especially if staying overnight.
There have been a number of vehicles broken into on hotel car parks, the most recent overnight when a white Mercedes Sprinter van at the Moreton Park Hotel, Gledrid, Chrik had its rear doors forced and a yellow Dewalt chop saw worth £600 stolen.
The police spokesperson added: “If you spot someone behaving strangely near parked cars, and your suspicions are raised, do not hesitate to call the police on 0300-333-3000.”
