Police urge North East Derbyshire residents to be 'vigilant' against rising vehicle crime

Officers are urging North East Derbyshire residents to be more vigilant after seven vehicles have been stolen and valuables have been taken.

Derbyshire Constabulary have received ten reports of parts of possessions being taken from vehicles and the most recent crimes took place between June 11 and June 12.

It comes after a Ford Transit van was stolen from Tibshelf Road, Holmewood and registration plates were taken from a Ford Focus on Sookholme Road, Shirebrook.

Police had reports from crimes across Barlborough, Calow, Killamarsh, North Wingfield, New Tupton, Dronfield, Barlow, Wingerworth, Clowne, Langwith Juntion, Eckington and Wadshelf.

Valuables such as an iWatch, sat nav, mobile and tablet are amongst the items that have been stolen from cars and vans in the area.

Registration plates and spare wheels have also been taken.

Residents are reminded to make sure valuables are out of sight, doors are locked and windows are closed when parked.

Inspector Rob Bowns said: “Our officers are working to investigate these crimes, and patrols are carried out throughout our area to help deter offences, but we need your help.

“It’s easy for vehicle security to go to the back of people’s minds once they’ve parked up their car or van, and unfortunately this can put them more at risk of their car or van being targeted.

“There is quite a lot of advice on how you can prevent vehicle crime of all types, with some of the simplest steps including removing valuables from your vehicles and making sure windows and doors are shut and locked.

“Please do what you can, and remember that if you notice any activity in your neighbourhood which seems unusual or suspicious, report it to us.”

People are encouraged to fit theft resistant number plates, keep ignition fobs and keys out of sight and away from doors at home and to invest in full faced steering and gear locks.

To report anything suspicious, call the police on 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers by dialling 0800 555 111.