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Police slash car crime in town centre blitz
Reporter: RICHARD HOOTON
Date online: 09/12/2009
A POLICE operation has driven down vehicle crime in Oldham town centre.
Operation Linstead has been hailed a success after thefts from vehicles fell by 42 per cent, from 167 in 2008 to 96 this year and car thefts dropped by 31 per cent.
Part of the crackdown has involved the Town Centre Neighbourhood Policing Team patrolling car parks checking for unlocked doors, open windows and valuables left on display.
Owners are then contacted to warn them about the consequences of leaving their cars insecure and offered some simple crime-prevention advice.
Insp Melita Worswick said: “Especially in the run up to Christmas we are encouraging drivers to be more vigilant and ensure they take all valuables out of their car.
“This is the time of year when the majority of people are shopping for presents. However, thieves will be doing exactly the same and looking for any opportunity to take them off your hands.”
If you have a neighbourhood policing issue contact the team on 0161-856 8903 or e-mail oldhamtowncentre.npt@gmp.police.uk
Don’t be a victim
Police have offered the following safety tips to help motorists avoid becoming victims:
::Select a safe and secure parking area, preferably a secure car park.
::Avoid parking in side streets or areas with poor lighting and blind spots.
::Take all valuables out of your vehicle. Don’t leave anything on show.
::If you can, remove the CD or stereo fascia.
::Take all items out of your glove compartment and leave it open so thieves can see it is empty.
::Using a wipe, remove any marks left on the vehicle windscreen by sat navs.
To report crime call 0161-872 5050 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800-555 111
Have Your Say
"thefts fell by 42%". I'll bet thefts would fall a damn sight more if the moronic courts actually delt out proper sentences. I feel really sorry for the police who spend a great deal of time to bring these criminals to court only for some wooly liberal(or should that be Labour?) to let them go.
Ha ha ha all sounds good, but what a load of tosh!
PCSOs a failed experiment, never to be evaluated, more and more people are shopping elsewhere and those who are victims no longer report this type of crime, its not worth the insurance claim.Roll on the General election
Funnily enough, the only enforcement officers I ever see swarming all over Oldham are those that are looking to extort money from motorists. I've never seen a PCSO on a bike in Oldham Town Centre and very rarely see them on foot. Just where have all these crimes been happening?
You are all missing the point by criticising PCSO' saying they are powerless, well so are the police since all they do is catch criminals (after which the courts let them go). It is Government policy that has failed the people of this country. Off subject but an example:- Are we not releasing every Somali pirate we capture, because they may claim asylum. Our system is mad.
Extort money? What planet are you on. I pass hundreds of drivers flouting the law daily. Pavement parkers, obstructions, driving in bus lanes, parking on double yellow lines. The magic hazards that make you immune from the law. Driving through red lights, speeding, stopping on crossing. But these FACTS don't count when you want to whinge about "extorting money". I haven't had any money "extorted" but then I don't go around breaking the law. Funny that.
PCSOs do more for this town and community than you ever have or ever will fedupoldhamer.
In regards to the picture... Police used to be authorative people. How do you expect the public, especially the youth yobs etc... to respect or take the police seriously when they ride around on bikes! It looks rediculas!
less reasons to come into oldham means theres less cars. thats the real reason for the reduction!
and dont make me laugh that the pcso's have helped with this. they are powerless to do anything at all!
i think everyone will agree with that!
more proper coppers and less plastic false police like this!
By fedupoldhamer @ 09/12/2009 14:50:03
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