Police have released footage of thieves breaking in to "trap" cars to remind motorists of the importance of securing their vehicles.
The footage coincides with the release of recent police figures which show that 50 per cent of cars broken into in Preston are left unlocked.
Between 1st January 2012 and 13th January 2012, 30 vehicle crimes were reported to police in Preston and 15 of these vehicles had been left unlocked by their owners. Seven of these vehicles had items stolen from them including mobile phones and money.
The "trap" car footage, which can be viewed at www.youtube.com/lancspolice, shows two men breaking into one of the cars in Preston. The car was locked but valuables were left on display and were stolen by the thieves.
The two men, both 17-years-old, pleaded guilty to stealing from a motor vehicle. One was sentenced to a four month curfew and ordered to pay £85 costs whilst the other was sentenced to a youth rehabilitation order including a 17 day curfew supervision requirement with a youth offending team.
The footage also shows two boys breaking into a car which was left unlocked, however no valuables were stolen.
A 16-year-old admitted attempted theft from a motor vehicle and was given a police caution and a 15-year-old pleaded guilty to vehicle interference and was given a conditional discharge for six months.
Sergeant Paul Whitehead of Preston Police said: “As the footage shows, it can take as little as three seconds for a thief to smash a car window and steal valuables. I hope that by seeing it, motorists will remember the importance of securing their vehicle and removing items from view.
“Many vehicle criminals are opportunists. If you leave an IPod, mobile phone, sat nav or cash on display, this will attract the attention of thieves.
"We need the public’s help to continue reducing vehicle crime in Preston. By simply locking your car and removing any valuables from view, you can help to prevent crime.”
The "trap" cars have are equipped with the latest technology such as night-vision cameras, GPS tracking devices and infra-red alarm systems which capture movement to and from the vehicle.
They are also fitted with SmartWater, a unique anti-theft device which leaves a trace of invisible liquid on people and items, allowing them to be traced to the scene of the crime.
Sergeant Whitehead added: “The hidden cameras in the cars help to catch criminals on film and secure vital evidence in bringing them to justice.”
Information about vehicle crime can be reported to the police on 101. The independent charity Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or on-line at Crimestoppers-uk.org.
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