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Hertfordshire car insurance policyholders given crime-prevention advice

25/05/07

Car insurance customers in Hertfordshire have been issued a series of tips to try and prevent their vehicles being targeted by thieves.

Recently, car insurance customers in the town of Baldock have been left facing hefty car repair bills after opportunist criminals broke into several parked vehicles, reports local newspaper the Comet.

Commenting on the recent spate of incidents, a spokesman for Hertfordshire constabulary remarked: "Most car thieves do not plan their break-ins but seize any opportunity they can."

In a bid to reduce opportunist crime, the police force has recommended that motorists always take basic crime-prevention steps such as removing stereos from view and closing all windows and the sunroof before leaving the vehicle.

Moreover, car insurance customers have been urged to lock the boot before heading off.

However, Mikael Berrou, a motorist from Hitchin whose vehicle was recently broken into, questioned how much difference it would make.

Outlining his concerns, Mr Berrou explained that he had followed police guidance by locking his rucksack in the boot but that local criminals had watched him at the time and knew where to strike.

"Police tell you to put things in your boot out of sight but people see you doing it and think it's worth a lot so what do you do?," he asked.

Earlier this month, Ian Haigh, Chase community and partnerships inspector at Staffordshire police, also offered advice to motorists looking to avoid break-ins and costly car insurance claims.

Among his recommendations, Mr Haigh suggested that car insurance customers leave their glove box open when parking up to ensure thieves know there is nothing of value held within.