Police launch initiative after dramatic rise in car break-ins in West Berkshire

Figures from Thames Valley Police showed that the number of thefts from vehicles in Newbury town had increased by 342 per cent, rising from 14 in total last year to 62 already this year. In Hungerford and Lambourn there has been a 90 per cent rise with 11 last year to 21 already this year.
There were seven reported cases of theft and vehicle damage across the district over the weekend including the theft of a wallet containing £50 from Thornford Road Thatcham, while the victim was out walking her dog on Greenham Common.
There were also thefts from vehicles in West Woodhay and Paynesdown Road, Richmond Avenue, Kestrel Close, Two Rivers Way and Prince Hold Road in Thatcham.
Thames Valley Police has now been testing vehicle security as part of an initiative offering advice on how people can protect their vehicles.
Police officers, police community support officers and neighbourhood wardens have joined forces to tackle the issue by testing vehicle door handles and identifying potential victims in affected areas.
Neighbourhood Policing Inspector for Newbury and Hungerford, John Donachy, said: “This is a really useful exercise which will assist in raising awareness within the community about vehicle crime and what simple steps can be taken to help prevent becoming a victim.
“We have already come across a number of unsecure vehicles during this initiative and were able to speak to the owners who seemed very grateful for the advice they received. This is one particular type of crime that Thames Valley Police is determined to reduce.”
Mr Donachy said there were a number of ways for people to secure their vehicles including leaving an empty glove box open to show there is nothing inside and not leaving coats or jackets on display, as thieves could think it was covering a laptop or bag.
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