As Chiswick becomes borough's hot spot for car crime

Chiswick Police have reported a steady increase in vehicle break-ins over the past 12 weeks making Chiswick the borough's current hotspot for car crime.

All three wards, but particularly Turnham Green and Homefields are suffering from the increase with a significant number of offences committed late at night.

In the vast majority of cases mobile phones, sat navs or lap top computers are taken after being left on show in the vehicle.

In an attempt to reduce these thefts PCSOs will be issuing advice notices to vehicle owners where property is left on show.

They will also be carrying out more targeted patrols by uniform and plain clothes officers and will shortly be utilising some more eyes and ears in the form of the Borough's parking wardens. Safer Neighbourhoods teams will be supplied with two way radios so that they can be in direct contact with the parking wardens if they become aware of any suspicious activity which officers can then assess and take appropriate action.

A spokesperson for local Police said "The best way to avoid becoming a victim of car crime is to not to leave anything in their vehicle that might be attractive to a thief. If you have to leave something in your boot for example, then think about who might be watching you when you leave your car. The safest option is to take it with you."

May 22, 2007