Car Owners Urged To Ensure Their Vehicles Are Secure

Police in Derry City & Strabane have appealed for people to ensure their vehicles are secure at all times.

The appeal comes after reports this week of vehicles being entered in the Waterside, sometime between Monday night, 26th June, and the early hours of Tuesday, 27th June. It was reported vehicles parked in the Birch Hill and Butlers Wharf areas had been entered and items, including cash, were taken. Police are also aware of attempts made to break into other vehicles.

Waterside Neighbourhood Policing Team Sergeant Cathal Pearce said: "Opportunistic criminals will go for the quick win, so that means looking for unlocked vehicles, and vehicles that have electronic devices or cash lying in plain view. Cars should always be locked and all valuables should be removed, even if it is parked close to your home or in your own driveway. Make sure you remove anything that is of value before leaving it for the day or overnight. All it takes is a few minutes for a burglar to take advantage of an unlocked door or window.

"We're also asking drivers to make sure vehicles are locked and secure. Keys and ignition fobs should be kept safe, and out of sight and reach and, if you have a garage, use it. Advice on keeping homes, cars and belongings safe is available by contacting our Crime Prevention Officer on 101."

Sergeant Pearce added: "It's important to reports these incidents as, that way, we can identify trends or hotspots and direct resources accordingly. We're also urging anyone who sees any suspicious activity at unusual times, for example during the night or in early hours of the morning, to report it. The quicker we hear about something that just doesn't seem right, the faster we can act."

You can submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org/