Canterbury Police are encouraging drivers and passengers to take simple steps to ensure their vehicles are not targeted by opportunistic thieves.
Constable Trevor Gurney says leaving valuables on display or not locking your car is tantamount to inviting an opportunistic thief to take your property. “Police and Safer Christchurch have joined forces to produce bright yellow ‘All Valuables Removed’ (AVR) hangers for drivers to display on their rear-view mirror in an effort to remind drivers and passengers remove valuables and lock their doors.”
Similar AVR mirror hangers have yielded positive results in Canada and in the North Island as part of a Police prevention operation to reduce theft from vehicles.
“The AVR hangers will be available at Police Stations in the Christchurch area, Christchurch City Libraries and the five main shopping malls prior to the launch on Monday 15 February 2016. They are simple to use and not only act as a visual deterrent to opportunistic thieves but also a reminder to drivers and passengers to remove valuables when they leave their car” explained Constable Gurney.
“Small easy to grab items are routinely targeted by opportunistic thieves so take this opportunity to clear out your car and secure valuables out of sight at home. If you use a GPS make sure you take the holder off the windscreen and clean off the suction cup mark from the windscreen when you leave your vehicle. And always lock your doors. It may sound like common sense but there are far too many people leaving their car windows fully open or not locking their doors.”
“Another item that is frequently overlooked by drivers is loose change in the centre console. While it makes it easy to pay for parking it is also another temptation for an opportunistic criminal.”
Not everyone is able to park their vehicle in a garage overnight however simple steps such as fitting a steering lock in addition to locking doors and removing valuables will deter thieves.
Record serial numbers of electronic items and report any theft, attempted theft or suspicious activity near parked cars to Police straight away.
If it can be seen it can be stolen and Police are urging drivers to display their AVR mirror hanger and take a few seconds to secure valuables out of sight. These simple steps could stop you becoming a victim of opportunistic criminals.
Canterbury Police will be attending the following shopping malls next week as part of the official launch of the AVR operation:
• Monday 15 Feb – Eastgate Mall – 9am-2pm
• Tuesday 16 Feb – Northlands Mall – 9am-2pm
• Wednesday 17 Feb – Westfield Riccarton – 8am-2pm
• Thursday 18 Feb – The Palms – 9am-2pm
• Friday 19 Feb – South City Mall – 9am-2pm
Hangers will be available from the following locations from 5pm on Thursday 11 Feb:
• Police Stations - Christchurch Central, Christchurch South, Papanui, New Brighton and Hornby
• Shopping malls - Eastgate Mall, Northlands Mall, Westfield Riccarton, The Palms, South City Mall
• Christchurch City Council and inner city Council Libraries
If you see any suspicious activity near parked cars call Police straight away by calling 111.
Historic thefts can be reported by calling the Crime Reporting Line on 03 363 7400.
Information can also be provided anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
Issued by: Lisa-Marie Brooks, District Communications Manager, Canterbury Police District
