Minister launches campaign on theft from cars

Leaving valuables on view in vehicles is an open invitation to thieves, Criminal Justice Minister David Hanson said today after the launch of a public information campaign to tackle the specific issue of theft from vehicles.

The campaign, which runs from today until New Year's Eve, aims to tackle such crime in North and South Belfast, Castlereagh, Craigavon, Down, Foyle, Lisburn and Newry and Mourne.

"The key message we are promoting in this awareness campaign is 'if they see it they'll steal it'. Leaving valuables visible in your car or van can be an open invitation to thieves," Mr Hanson said.

"By taking simple precautions such as locking property in the boot of a car, or removing the face plate from your in-car CD system, you can significantly improve your chances of not becoming a victim of this type of crime.”

The Minister said that the campaign was specifically targeted in areas where the incidence of this type of crime was greatest.

“This campaign is based on information and evidence from the police about theft from vehicles in Northern Ireland. It will be aimed at hot-spot areas for this type of crime and will inform the public about the types of property that are at the greatest risk," he continued.

“The Government is committed to tackling car crime. The public can help by not leaving anything of value in their cars which in turn means they are less likely to be a target for this type of crime.”

(MB/SP)