Crackdown on car key burglaries in and around Southport

Merseyside Police has launched a crackdown on car key burglaries in the Sefton area.

Starting tonight (Wednesday, 26 April 2017) and running over three evenings, officers will patrol in marked and unmarked cars in areas where there have been incidents of cars being stolen from driveways after keys were taken from inside properties in the past week.

Patrols from Local Policing, Roads Policing, Matrix, the Dog Section and Lancashire Police will all be deployed during the three-night operation.

Police are also working with local councillors and Homewatch schemes to offer crime prevention advice in the affected areas.

Local Policing Inspector Ian Jones said: “Over the next three nights we will have a highly visible presence in the areas of Maghull, Aintree, Crosby, Litherland and Birkdale. This is in response to a number of recent incidents of cars being taken from drives after offenders have stolen the keys.

“We are determined to stop such incidents from happening and to bring those responsible to justice, and will deploy significant resources this week to tackle it.

“I would also urge local residents to ensure their houses are as secure as possible and check their front doors, windows and garage doors to prevent becoming easy targets. Once you get into the habit of doing a quick check it doesn’t take much time at all and can save you a lot of distress in the long run.

“If you have a garage use it, or if you park on a driveway ensure you close your gates at night and consider putting an obstruction such as your wheelie bin in front of your vehicle.

“Always put your car keys out of sight and never leave them in the back of your door. If possible use a steering wheel lock on your vehicle, which are unappealing to thieves looking to make a fast getaway.

“These people are looking for the easiest and least confrontational way to steal a vehicle, so anything you can do to make it harder for them means you are less likely to fall victim.

“We all need to be vigilant. While we will be out patrolling, we would also ask anyone who sees anyone acting suspiciously to report it to the police. These offenders will need to walk up driveways to look through doors and windows to see if there are keys in sight of a door or window. If you notice any such behaviour contact the police on 101 or in an emergency dial 999.”

Anyone who recognises the car, or has information in relation to this offence or burglaries in general is asked to contact Merseyside Police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. In an emergency, always call 999.