The charity Crimestoppers have launched a campaign, with the Northamptonshire Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, Stephen Mold to ensure steps are taken to keep vehicles safe when parking in Northamptonshire service stations.
The campaign, using a grant awarded to the Commissioner by the Home Office, under the Safer Streets Round 5 scheme, to reduce thefts from HGVs and overall vehicle crime, both at Watford Gap and Northampton service stations. The Commissioner’s office and Roadchef motorway services have matched this funding by 50%.
This money is being used to improve service station security, including installing new fencing, additional CCTV and improved lighting.
In the year ending June 2022, 1.65 billion tonnes of goods were carried by HGVs registered in Great Britain and operating in the UK. Thieves typically target HGVs parked at service stations overnight, most commonly breaking into trailers or slashing trailer curtains when drivers are resting and when the service stations are less busy.
Crimestoppers is also appealing for information to be given anonymously about those involved in service station vehicle crime.
To pass on information about service station vehicle crime 100% anonymously, visit the Crimestoppers charity’s website (Crimestoppers-uk.org). You can fill in a safe and secure form or call the 24/7 UK-based Contact Centre on 0800 555 111. Young people can also report crime via the charity’s youth service website Fearless.org
Lydia Patsalides, Crimestoppers Regional Manager for the East Midlands, said: “Our charity knows that speaking up about crime is hard, especially if you’re passing on information about those who are potentially dangerous. We take tip-offs every day from concerned individuals who tell us anonymously what they know. They share our belief in wanting to help keep people and our communities safe.
“If you know of anybody involved in service station vehicle crime, Crimestoppers – which is independent of the police – is here to take information from you 100% anonymously. We have no way of knowing who you are. We pass on what we are told to the authorities who decide how best to proceed. Whilst no one will ever know you contacted us, your information could help to keep people and their vehicles safe.”
Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Stephen Mold said: “Preventing crime is a central part of my Police, Fire and Crime Plan for Northamptonshire, and I am pleased to be working in partnership with Crimestoppers to make sure drivers know how to be safe and to encourage people who see something suspicious to report it quickly and easily.”
There are many things drivers can do to help reduce their HGVs and vehicles being the target of thieves. Below are some tips:
- Light – Park in well lit, designated areas.
- Lock your vehicle – make sure to lock your vehicle and trailers when leaving, regardless of length of time.
- CCTV – If there is CCTV, park close to this.
- Valuables – Keep all valuables and documents out of sight or take them from the vehicle when leaving.
- Engine off– Keeping your vehicle running or your keys in the ignition is an invitation for trouble, no matter how long you will be away from the vehicle.
- Use extra security systems – An old-fashioned steering wheel lock is a good easily-visible way to deter thieves, and immobilisers can be very effective.
- Insure everything– Make sure you’re covered. Use a valid insurance provider.
- Check your property– Write the registration number on the car stereo, engine and motorbike frame, which will make those parts easier to trace if stolen.
- Evaluate each situation– Before you leave your vehicle or property, you may need to change or adapt your security.
- Help others– Report suspicious behaviour to security or the Police.
Report it – Report information you may have about those committing these offences to the Police or Crimestoppers 100% anonymously.
www.crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously
Crimestoppers have further helpful advice on their website www.crimestoppers-uk.org/keeping-safe/home-property-safety/vehicle-safety
