Allestree officers and Darley NHW on autocrime patrols

Officers from the Allestree Safer Neighbourhood Policing Team along with members of Darley Neighbourhood Watch are targeting hotspot areas in order to crack down on auto crime.

Over the past two months there has been an increase in theft from motor vehicles in the area encompassing Kedlaston Road, Broadway and the Five lamps.

Many of these incidents have been due to owners leaving their vehicles unlocked with valuable items such as house keys, sat navs and laptops still on show.

Burglaries are occurring as a result of house keys being traced to the car owners home.

In a bid to tackle this officer's whilst on patrol are checking vehicles for insecurity, owners are then located and crime prevention advice offered.

Sgt Rachel Frost who manages the Allestree Safer Neighbourhood Policing Team said: " The message is clear, keep your vehicles locked even if parked on your driveway and do not leave any items on display.

"Lock your house door especially owners who are living in multi occupancy houses where multiple numbers of laptops, ipods etc can be found.

"Over the last couple of nights the teams have reported 13 cars and one garage left insecure in the area of Longford Street and Belper Road.

"We keep reminding people to keep their properties and vehicles secure but it is down to the owners to take responsibility for personal security."

To contact your local Allestree or Darley Safer Neighbourhood Policing Team please call: 0345 123 33 33 or email north.neighbourhoods@derbyshire.pnn.police.uk.