Spate of thefts prompts police warning to car owners

North Yorkshire Police issued the warning following a rash of thefts from cars in High and Low Harrogate, Granby and Killinghall.

Items stolen by the thieves include satellite navigation units, cameras, iPods and iPhones as well as laptop computers, car keys and clothing.

As well as breaking into cars to steal the items thieves have also taken property from vehicles left insecure by their owners.

Car owners are advised not to leave property on view as well as making sure that they lock them – in one incident on April 26, on Harlow Moor Road, a satellite navigation device was stolen through an open window.

On April 29 a DVD and camera were taken from a Dodge van on Dragon Parade.

Insp Will Scarlett, of Harrogate Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “I am asking all vehicle owners not to leave property on view in the cars, because this increases the chances of becoming a victim of crime.

“A lot of these thefts are opportunist and vehicle owners can help to stop these crimes occurring by taking a couple of moments when they leave their cars to check nothing is on view and that they are locked.

“If you do see anyone acting in a suspicious manner around vehicles please contact North Yorkshire Police as soon as possible.”

This weekend police officers will be staffing the mobile police station at a number of locations across the town where they will be giving residents advice on crime prevention.

The venues are, today, Harrogate town centre; tomorrow, Morrisons’ supermarket in Plumpton Park during the day and at the Co-op store in Grantley Drive through the evening; Sunday, outside Focus at Harrogate Retail Park in Oak Beck Road.

Anyone who notices people acting suspiciously around vehicles should phone the police on 0845 60 60 24 7.