Car crime clinic for motorists

MOTORISTS are being urged to steer clear of car crime with a special clinic on Sunday.

Officers from the Failsworth and Hollinwood Neighbourhood Policing Team will be at Tesco car park, Ashton Road West, from noon to 4pm, offering crime prevention advice.

The AA will also be on hand, fitting anti-tamper screws to number plates free of charge. The screws, which cannot be removed, are then covered with a security cap as an added deterrent.

In the majority of cases, registration plates are stolen overnight while they are parked outside the owner’s home.

Criminals put them on a car of a similar make or model to give them a false identity, and these vehicles are then used for a range of offences from burglary and robbery to driving off from petrol stations without paying.

PCSO Alex Palmer, of the neighbourhood team, said: “The simple measure of having these anti-tamper screws fitted greatly reduces the chance of number plates being targeted.

“I would urge people to come along with their vehicles and have the registration plates secured free of charge by the AA and receive some handy tips from officers that can help prevent people from becoming victims of crime.”

The event is part of the ongoing work being carried out in Failsworth to deliver the Policing Pledge, giving people a clear minimum standard of service they can expect from their local police.

Residents are being asked for their input to influence policing of their neighbourhood. Find out more at www.gmp.police.uk/policingpledge 

To report crime call police on 0161-872 5050 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800-555 111. For more information visit www.gmp.police.uk