Car crime is still rife (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Car crime is still rife

THREE vehicles were attacked when thieves went on a smash and grab rampage in Old Town.

The break-ins, to cars parked in Little London, were discovered yesterday morning.

It is thought that CDs and other personal items may have been stolen from the vehicles.

Last year the Adver launched the Keep Your Car Clear poster campaign.

And latest figures appear to show it's been a success.

Figures released this week show car crime dropped 1.2 per cent from 1,900 to 821 incidents between April and December.

But police admit there's still a long way to go.

Wiltshire recorded a reduction of six per cent in the same period from 3,014 to 2,768 incidents.

As part of our campaign, posters have been put up in car parks across town reminding people to think twice before leaving valuable items on display in their cars.

Geoff Suffolk, crime prevention officer for Swindon police: "We're trying to educate people day in day out about vehicle crime reduction.

"Whenever possible people should always take items with them.

"Larger items should be locked in the boot of the car."