107 reports of vehicle crime in Rushden since the start of the year prompts police operation
Police have launched an operation to tackle a spate of vehicle crime in Rushden which has already seen more than 100 incidents reported this year.
Since the start of the year, Northamptonshire Police has received 107 reports of thefts from and thefts of motor vehicles as well as vehicle interference offences across the town, many of which occurred overnight between 11pm and 4am.
This works out at an average of nearly three incidents per night.
East Northants Neighbourhood Policing Team has launched an operation in response to the incidents and is asking members of the community for their support to help prevent further offences.
Both marked and unmarked police patrols have been stepped up to deter and catch offenders, and targeted crime prevention advice is being delivered to residents in affected areas.
With many of the offences believed to be linked, officers are building the necessary evidence to enable charges against identified suspects.
Wellingborough and East Northants Neighbourhood Policing Detective Inspector Ruth Maher said: “Having your vehicle broken into and personal items stolen is not just an inconvenience. It can have a huge impact on our everyday life, independence and personal finances at a time when we are all feeling financial pressures.
“Thefts from vehicles are acquisitive crimes, and are often associated with opportunists, and we would ask people to always remove valuables from their vehicles when they leave them – even for just a few seconds - and leave nothing on show that could tempt a thief.
“As with all crime, we would also encourage the public to help us by reporting any suspicious activity so we can act upon it. The eyes and ears of our communities are invaluable to us, and we welcome any information that can help us tackle vehicle crime.
“We would particularly like to hear from any residents living in the specific areas targeted who may have CCTV, doorbell or dash-cam, and would ask them to review your footage and report anything suspicious to us. Any small detail could help progress our investigation.
“Finally, it’s important that all thefts from vehicles are reported to us – this helps us make sure we can support you and can put the right resources in place to help prevent further crimes and we would ask anyone who has any detail which could help us to get in touch.”
Witnesses or anyone with information are asked to call Northamptonshire Police on 101 quoting Op Prowl or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
Find advice to protect your vehicle and possessions on the force website.