Police and partners tackle car crime in NE Derbyshire

Police in north east Derbyshire have joined forces with the Community Safety Partnership to tackle auto crime across the district with a series of visits to busy shopping centres.

Teams of officers will be visiting shopping centre car parks speaking to motorists about the risks of leaving valuables on display in their car and handing out free auto crime prevention packs.

Packs will include property marking pens, sat nav cloths and air fresheners as well as advice on how to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of car crime.

The team will visit Sharley Park Leisure Centre, Market Street, Clay Cross, on Tuesday, March 2, from 9.30am to 11.30am.

On Thursday, March 4, they will be at Parkside Shopping Centre, Killamarsh from 9.30am to 11.30am.

Members of Chesterfield Neighbourhood Watch will be there to sign people up to the free Vehicle Watch 25 plus scheme.

Residents will also be able to join the Community Messaging Service to receive regular updates about issues affecting their neighbourhood.

Community Safety Partnership Sergeant Mel Hagues said: "The message is clear, keep your vehicles locked even if parked on your driveway and do not leave any items on display.

"We have chosen specific dates when there are markets on and therefore hopefully a high number of people visiting the area so we can get that message across to as many people as possible.

"We live in a safe part of the country but by taking simple steps we can drive crime down even further."

A similar event held in Dronfield last week was a huge success with hundreds of motorists signing up to the scheme and receiving free car crime prevention packs.

For more information on crime prevention or to join any of the above schemes call 0345 123 3333 or visit the website www.derbyshire.police.uk.