Hertfordshire Constabulary is advising drivers to protect their vehicles, following an increase in the number of vehicle related crimes across the county during the early part of 2017.

Inspector Paul Lawrence of Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Crime Reduction Team said: “Vehicle related crime has increased slightly from last year, with tools being stolen from vans and thefts of vehicles being the main concern. Many drivers across the county have taken note of the advice we have been promoting and have made their vehicles secure. Many van drivers have been removing or securing their tools which led to a reduction during 2016, however we are now starting to see another small increase in these types of crime.

“Criminals are mainly targeting tools which have been left unsecured in unattended vans, or stealing the vans themselves. They use different methods to exploit vehicles with keyless entry systems and certain door locking mechanisms. The advice we are issuing will help to prevent criminals being able to gain access to or steal vehicles.”

To help drivers secure their vehicles we have teamed up with www.ProtectAVan.co.uk who are offering a 10 per cent discount to drivers that live or work in Hertfordshire, on Thatcham approved security devices, such as tool safes, steering locks and security marking of tools and vehicles.

To help prevent theft from your vehicle:

•Never leave valuables on display ·
•Never leave tools in your van unless they are secured in an approved* tool safe
•Fit good quality approved* additional external locks to van doors
•Engrave or mark tools and their boxes with your postcode and house number
•Use an approved steering lock or gear clamp, and remember to set your immobiliser and alarm if you have one
•If away from home consider parking your vehicle in a ‘Park Mark’ approved car park. www.parkmark.co.uk.

*We recommend products that are “Sold Secure”, see their website for details: www.soldsecure.com or “Secured By Design”, see their website: www.securedbydesign.com. More advice on how to make your vehicle safe is available at: www.herts.police.uk/crimeprevention.