Mitsubishi’s stolen after walk-in burglary

Incident 31 of 18 October 2011

Officers are asking the public to help them locate two black Mitsubishi vehicles that were stolen overnight sometime between late evening on Monday 17 October and before 7am on Tuesday morning, 18 October.

The car keys to the vehicles and a wallet were stolen after the back door of the property in Old Road, Southam was left unlocked overnight. A black Mitsubishi Lancer Saloon with registration starting 'BV60' and a black Mitsubishi L200 Animal Pick Up with registration starting 'BF07' were then stolen from outside the home. The vehicles may have sustained slight damage as the thieves drove off.

“Please, please, please check your doors and windows are locked at night" said George Stepney, Community Intervention Manager at Warwickshire Police.

“Your insurance company is also less likely to pay up if you have left a door open.”

“There is no doubt that if you make it difficult to steal your property, thieves will look for easier pickings elsewhere.

The more difficult your house is to break in to, the less likely you will be burgled.

Lock windows and doors at night and when you go down the garden or to the local shop

Fit a lockable side gate to stop people going around the back of your home where they cannot be seen

Install external lights. They will welcome genuine visitors and deter the criminal who wishes to work undetected.

Ask your neighbours to alert the police to any suspicious activity around your property and do the same for them

Fit good locks to doors and use them.

Consider joining or setting up a small Neighbourhood Watch Scheme to share crime information.

Have window locks fitted to older windows, a burglar is less likely to break in if they have to smash a window.

Fit and use a door chain.

Change locks when you move into a new home.

Fit a good quality alarm from a reputable supplier.

Do not hide spare keys; leave them with someone you trust. Burglars know where to look.

Find out about property marking schemes such as Smartwater. www.smartwater.co.uk If an item is marked it will be much harder for a thief to sell on. Also, if recovered, stolen items can then be returned to their rightful owner.

To give the impression that someone is in, set lights on a timer switch.

Don’t leave your curtains closed during the day.

If timers are not available, leave a light on if going out at night, and draw curtains/blinds.

Keep all keys away from windows and external doors so they are not visible/accessible to an opportunist thief.

Leave a television or radio on to create the impression that someone is in.

 

Any witnesses to the burglary or anyone with information on the whereabouts of either of the Mitsubishi's is please asked to contact the Local Investigation Team on 01926 415000 or independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.