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Police calls on Bolton car insurance policyholders to help cut vehicle crime

11/06/07

Car insurance policyholders in the north-west of England have been reminded about the importance of taking their valuables with them as part of a sustained crackdown against vehicle crime.

According to figures from the local police, there were 130 fewer crimes between March and May this year than 12 months previously, reports the Bolton News.

And to put this statistic into context, the media source points out that this translates into a 16 per cent year-on-year decline in vehicle crime levels.

Now, police officers have attempted to build on this reduction by pointing out that motorists could cut their personal crime risk by remembering to take items such as satellite navigation devices, mobile phones and mp3 players with them when leaving their vehicle.

Local police chief superintendent David Lea, head of Bolton police, has outlined the message for car insurance customers and other road users.

"We take motor vehicle crime very seriously and though we are winning the battle against car thieves, those who steal from cars are benefitting from people's carelessness," he said.

Last month, the Manchester Evening News attempted to raise awareness about a new scam being practiced on car insurance policyholders in the north-west of England.

According to the report, many motorists have been duped into paying money to criminals who set up stalls at the entrance to pay-and-display car parks and charge motorists to enter.

However, since these ticket sellers are unlicensed, it means the motorists could still receive penalties from parking wardens

Responding to the report, Pat Karney, city centre spokesman for Manchester city council, announced the body would be taking steps to tackle the crime.

"We are not going to stand by while law-abiding citizens are stung in this way and we will do what we can to take on these cowboys," he said.