Police in Norwich are urging car owners to be vigilant and remove valuables from their vehicles after some recent thefts.

Over the past week there have been three parked cars targeted in the West Centre area where windows have been smashed and items such as handbags, an Ipod and Sat Nav have been stolen.

PC Ngaire Harrington from West Centre Safer Neighbourhood Team said “Residents can deter opportunist thieves by taking simple steps such as removing valuables from vehicles and removing any evidence of Sat Navs which means wiping the windscreen clear of any marks left by the equipment.

“Two of the incidents involved handbags being left in the footwell of the victim’s vehicle.  We would urge that everyone ensures they take their valuables with them, even if only leaving their car for a few minutes.

“We would like to reassure people that we are focusing our patrols to target those responsible for committing these crimes and will deal with those caught robustly.”

To reduce the chances of falling victim to car crime Norfolk Constabulary offers the following advice:

• Don’t leave anything on display in your car
• Take your belongings with you when you leave the car - if you can’t, lock them in the boot before you start your journey
• Fit an electronic immobiliser- this will prevent the car from starting
• Mechanical immobilisers, such as steering wheel locks, are a good alternative to electronic immobilisers
• Fit locking wheel nuts
• Get an alarm installed
• Consider marking all your valuables that you frequently take in your car
• Lock all doors and close windows and the sun roof every time you leave your car unattended
• If you have a garage, use it.  If you don’t always try and park in a well lit open place
• Always lock your car and garage

For further information or to speak to the West Centre SNT Team call 0845 456 4567, email SNTWestCentre@norfolk.pnn.police.uk.