Two charged in connection with vehicle offences

Dear Resident

Two charged in connection with vehicle offences

Two people have been charged in connection with several vehicle offences in Hertfordshire .

Police attended an address in Flamingo Close on Monday 12 January, after it was reported that someone was trying to gain access to vehicles in the street. After a search of the area a man and woman were arrested on suspicion of theft from a vehicle. Further reports were also received of other offences in the area.

Christopher Coulbert, aged 41, of no fixed abode, was sentenced after pleading guilty at Hatfield Magistrates Court on Tuesday 13 January, to four weeks in relation to possession of Class A drugs (crack) and three weeks for each theft from motor vehicle offence (to run concurrently).

Katrina Watkinson, aged 36, of no fixed abode, was charged with handling stolen goods and has been bailed to appear at court next month.

There’s been a rise in thefts from vehicles over the past two months (since 1 December), compared to the same period last year. St Albans, Dacorum, Welwyn Hatfield and Stevenage had the highest number of offences. However, there was a reduction in reports of vehicle interferences across the county, of which there were 163 in the same period compared to 201 last year.

Detective Superintendent for the East Local Policing Command, Ant Alcock, said: “Since the beginning of December we have seen an increase in the number of thieves targeting vehicles to steal items left inside, especially overnight. We’re urging owners to ensure their vehicles are secure when left unattended and to make sure valuable items aren’t left on view.

“Expensive items like phones, sunglasses and tools will entice opportunists to break into vehicles if they can see them. If you have no choice but to leave items in a vehicle, make sure they are hidden in the glovebox or in the boot. Tradesman should invest in a tool safe if they need to store tools in their vehicle.

“We’ve been targeting those involved in this type of crime, arresting six people, and after some good investigative work obtained a number of charges.

“If you see someone acting suspiciously around a vehicle report it to 101, and if you believe a crime is in progress call 999.”

To minimise the chance of becoming a victim we offer the following advice:

• Lock your vehicle whenever it is left unattended and keep it in a garage when parked at night if possible.

• Never leave valuable items or tools on display in your vehicle as this may encourage a thief to break in.

• Never leave your vehicle unattended with the engine running, even if you are only absent for a moment.

• Consider fitting CCTV covering your home and driveway, to help deter thieves.

• Use PIR or LED security lighting to make your vehicle more visible as this can also act as a deterrent.

• Always consider parking in a car park that has been accredited with the police approved “Park Mark” scheme.

• Noisy gravel on your drive can help deter a would-be thief, as they don’t want to alert you to their approach.

• For security products for your vehicles search the ‘accredited products’ page on https://orlo.uk/RF5bP a police-approved website.

For more crime prevention advice visit: https://orlo.uk/3F8EN .