Police crackdown after spate of car thefts in Wirral

Nov 9 2011 by Lorna Hughes, Heswall News

POLICE officers in Wirral have launched a crackdown on car thieves after a spate of vehicle thefts in the east of the borough.

Several incidents in the last week saw nearly-new and high-value cars taken from driveways.

In some cases, thieves broke into homes to steal car keys.

The campaign will see an increase in high-visibility patrols and officers wearing plain clothes, particularly in Bromborough, Bebington, Birkenhead and Wallasey.

Officers will also be using ANPR technology to track stolen vehicles.

Chief Inspector Phil Davies said: “These recent incidents have all happened overnight. Thieves are opportunists and will always take the easy option – the car that is unlocked, easy to break into or has valuables on display.

“They literally see thousands of pounds sitting on your driveway, so we would like to remind car owners to help prevent break-ins by always locking vehicles when unattended, even if just for a few moments, keeping keys out of sight and doors and windows of homes locked.

“Car theft and burglaries will not be tolerated in Wirral and we are determined to find those responsible to bring them to justice.”

Anyone with information about car theft can call police on 709 6010 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.