Car key thefts on the increase (From Chelmsford Weekly News)

Car key thefts on the increase

11:19am Thursday 9th July 2009

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THEFTS of car keys in Brentwood have risen by nearly a third in the past year.

Statistics revealed by Essex Police showed a large rise in burglaries where crooks break into homes to take keys and steal the owner’s cars, in the western police division that includes Brentwood.

The thefts rose from 197 between April 2007 and March 2008, to 259 between April 2008 and March 2009.

Det Con Trevor Roe reassured residents the chances of falling prey to car key crimes was still small, but asked them to make sure their homes and vehicles were secure.

He said: “We target those individuals responsible for this type of crime and continue to bring offenders to justice.

“Western division serves over a quarter-of-a-million people, so I would reassure the public that their chance of becoming a victim of this type of crime is low.

“But we want to reduce this figure even further and we need your help to achieve this.”

Residents have been asked to keep their car keys out of sight and not to leave cash, bags and wallets lying around the house, while also making sure doors and windows are closed and locked.

Det Con Roe said there had been a disturbing increase of the car key crime across the country.

He said: “Unfortunately, there is still a thriving illegal market in stolen cars, particularly high-end vehicles for export.

“Having your car stolen is a crime which disrupts the lives of honest, hard working, people.”

Anyone with information about thefts in their area should call detectives on 0300 333 4444, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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