Advice issued after series of burglaries and vehicle thefts in Devon

Police are encouraging residents in South, East and Mid Devon to ensure their properties and vehicles are safely secured this Christmas period.

In recent months officers have made a number of arrests as part of an ongoing crackdown on burglaries in Devon.

Officers have received various reports of burglaries and vehicle thefts in towns and villages across the county. A number of the incidents involved offenders accessing properties via insecure doors and windows and taking keys before making off in vehicles belonging to the homeowner.

On several occasions the vehicles have been found abandoned at other locations.

Investigating officers have identified and arrested numerous suspects and continue to work hard to disrupt such criminality.

Sector Inspector for East and Mid Devon David Turner said: “Our officers have been working hard to tackle burglaries and vehicle thefts in our communities.

“We have already brought several suspects before the courts for this type of offending.

“We will continue to pursue individuals who willingly enter the homes of others and take items that do not belong to them, and bring them to justice.

“But residents can also play a part in reducing this offending by following the advice listed below.

“You can report a crime via 101 or our website, and if you see a crime taking place call 999.”

Devon and Cornwall Police is now issuing the following advice to protect residents against crime this festive period:

• Ensure vehicles are left locked and secure with alarm set.  Consider purchasing a steering wheel lock for additional security. Do not leave any property within your vehicle.  Lots of light deters thieves, make sure your car can be seen by anyone approaching it.
• Make sure that all front and back doors to properties are locked and windows are secure.  Set your alarm system or consider having one installed if you don’t have one. You are far more likely to be targeted if you don’t have an alarm installed.
• Ensure that car keys are stored away from doors and windows, preferably in a locked and secure drawer or box.  We recommend a faraday pouch to secure car keys in when at home.
• Keep an eye out in your neighbourhoods and communities. Report suspicious behaviour to the police or Crimestoppers. Provide descriptions of any suspicious vehicles you see such as registration numbers. If you have doorbell footage of anything suspicious, please provide this to the police. Look out for your neighbours and help to keep your communities safe.

Further information will be passed through our DC Alert system.

Devon and Cornwall Alert system offers crime prevention advice and warns of crime trends and incidents. Its free to sign up, for more information visit the DC Alert website. Please make sure you select the category relevant to you to ensure we can target our messaging appropriately.