Hamilton police are targetting motorists in a bid to reduce the number of thefts from cars throughout the city.
Police this week launched a new flyer that will be distributed throughout the city to remind car-owners about car security. The bright yellow cards include a checklist covering safety measures like leaving windows open, doors unlocked and leaving items in full view that could be stolen.
The flyers will be distributed by police, community patrols, carpark security staff and parking wardens. If a car is seen insecure, a flyer will be placed under the windscreen wipers.
Acting Hamilton City area controller Inspector Peter Devoy says the bright yellow flyers are part of a broader police strategy to reduce the number of thefts from cars in the inner city.
"They are primarily a friendly reminder to motorists that they should take more care with their car security. If someone has left their doors unlocked or left items on the back seat in full view, we want them to know that they could be a victim of car crime.
"We hope initiatives like this will raise the awareness of car security generally and make people think a bit more about their property."
Hamilton city has been hit hard with thefts from cars over recent months. Mr Devoy said while the figures fluctuated over any period of time, police still regarded the problem as serious and acknowledged that car crime was often linked to other crimes.
As part of the policing strategy, frontline staff have been targetting known offenders and increasing patrols in hotspot areas around the city.
Police met yesterday with carpark owners and managers to share information and ideas on how to combat the problem.
Police have also issued the carpark owners with large posters to be erected in carparks and on the street to remind motorists of car security.