NEWS RELEASES
Criminal damage to vehicles
25th January 2006
RESIDENTS in Horsham’s Roffey area have been armed against car crime with information provided by local Police Community Support Officers.
Representatives of the Horsham District Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership and Police Community Support Officers from Sussex Police were out in force last Thursday (19 Jan) speaking with residents on their doorsteps and hand delivering car crime prevention information packs to a number of roads in North Horsham.
This builds on related work already in place throughout the region as seen in Sussex Police’s ongoing Operation Hyena initiative.
The information pack is designed to provide some useful guidance to residents on how to reduce the chance of becoming a victim of criminal damage.
Police analysts who monitor crimes across the Horsham District on an ongoing basis have spotted a worrying trend over the last three month period, specifically involving criminal damage to parked vehicles in a handful of roads.
Speaking for the Horsham District Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership, Mike Rumble said:
“These crimes are being investigated by the Police and do not appear to be linked, but are random attacks, occurring mainly overnight, with weekends being the favoured time to strike.
“The damage includes attempts to gain entry, broken wing mirrors and dented body panels to name just a few.”
Alan Haffenden, Crime Prevention Officer for Sussex Police offered concerned residents the following advice, and said:
“For the security of your vehicle and its contents, you should park somewhere well lit if possible and when at home use your garage if you have one.
“If you don't have a garage leave your vehicle on the driveway or somewhere where you can see it easily from your home and where others are also likely to be able to see it.
Criminal damage is an arrestable offence punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment and the Horsham District Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership is anxious to ensure such offences are reduced in this area.
Residents are being urged to report anyone who is seen acting suspiciously by contacting Sussex Police on 0845 60 70 999 (or 999, if damage is actually taking place).
Alternatively anyone can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
For further details about how to protect vehicles log onto the Crime Prevention section of the Sussex Police website .
Ends
This news item has been issued by Horsham District Council in partnership with the Horsham District Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership.
CONTACT: Richard Morris, Communications Manager
Email: richard.morris@horsham.gov.uk