Car-crime crackdown

KEEP your valuables hidden and your vehicle secure — that is the message from Oldham Police as they launch a crime crackdown.

Operation Battenburg, taking place today, will see high-profile police patrols on the beat to identify vehicles with valuables on display, making them a target for thieves.

Other initiatives will be taking place with other agencies such as the DVLA and Trading Standards.

Chief Insp Rob Tinsley said: “Motorists can avoid becoming a victim of crime by locking and securing their vehicles and removing sat navs, mobile phones and any other valuables from view.

“They also need to be extra vigilant at this time of year as thieves will be on the look-out for Christmas presents being left on show.”

As well as targeting criminal activity, officers will be visiting schools to speak to pupils in order to highlight the dangers of driving stolen vehicles.

Mr Tinsley added: “Vehicle crime in Oldham is taken very seriously and we are determined to tackle the offenders. Operation Battenburg is not only a day of enforcement, it also has an equally important reassurance and educational role.”

To report crime, call police on 0161-872 5050 or report it online at www.gmp.police.uk, alternatively you can call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800-555 111.