Northumbria Police: Latest Northumberland news

September 20, 2012, 2:11 pm

Residents in Morpeth are being asked to be on their guard against opportunist thieves.

Over recent weeks a number of items have been stolen from unlocked cars in the town centre and around Morpeth. Items taken include sat navs, iPods, sunglasses, coats and loose change.

Residents are being asked to report any suspicious behaviour they see and pay particular attention to anyone seen living rough in or around the town.

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Morpeth Neighbourhood Inspector Sharon Wilmore-Greaves explained: “We are currently investigating a number of cases where items left on display in unlocked cars have been stolen.

“We suspect that the person responsible may be living rough around the town and we are asking people to be particularly aware of their surroundings when parking their cars.

“Leaving valuable items in a vehicle is an invitation to thieves, they see something lying on the seat and take a chance. Our message is simple – if you leave it on show, it’s going to go. By following some simple crime prevention advice, residents can play their part in making their community even safer and help stop themselves from becoming a victim of crime.”

Consider the following advice: 

• If you have a garage, keep your car in it overnight and when it’s not in use.
• Whenever you leave your car always lock the doors, windows and sun-roofs, even for a short time.
• Never leave items on show when you leave the car, especially any sat nav systems. Remove the sat nav cradle from unattended vehicles. Do not leave sat navs hidden in the car, and clean the suction cup mark of the holder from the window.
• If you must leave items in the vehicle put them in the boot out of sight.
• Think about where you park – use well lit places or secure car parks if possible.

Anyone with concerns about such crime in their community or who has witnessed any suspicious activity can contact the Morpeth Neighbourhood Policing Team on the 101 non-emergency number.