POLICE in Thame are launching a crime reduction initiative to reduce car crime in the area.
?Operation Magpie? involves crime reduction letters and leaflets about how to avoid becoming a victim of car crime being hand-delivered in roads where three or more vehicle crimes have been reported between January 1 and June 31, 2005.
A network, consisting of managers of local beauty spots and hotel and rural car parks, has been set up on the police ringmaster messaging system which will allow information to be sent to individuals about suspicious people and vehicles, keeping them up-to-date with any significant criminal activity in the area.
Crime Reduction Adviser, Lesley Nesbitt, said: ?Thame does have a higher rate of vehicle crime than other areas close by. Unfortunately the police can?t be everywhere, so the aim of this initiative is to give local residents as much information as possible about reducing the opportunity of becoming a victim of vehicle crime and to encourage the public to work with police and phone in any unusual or suspicious incidents.
?Research has shown that a large number of vehicle crimes occur because items of value have been left on display or that the vehicle has been left insecure. By removing items of value from your car, securing it and setting your alarm or immobiliser, you can dramatically reduce the chance of becoming a victim.?
The local Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership have funded some large crime reduction signs that will be displayed in the area to raise people?s awareness to remove items of value from their vehicles.
Information from the public is essential to try and catch offenders. If you see anything suspicious please contact Thames Valley Police on 08458 505 505 or the anonymous Crimestoppers number on 0800 555 111.
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