Bognor Regis motorists can protect vehicles for free

Following a 22 per cent rise in car crime across the district the Safer Arun Partnership has put together vehicle crime prevention packs to help residents protect their motors.

The packs include three useful items to help deter thieves: an air freshener reminding drivers to remove all valuables, a window sticker which can be displayed to advise potential thieves that all valuables have been removed, and a cloth to wipe any sat nav suction marks off windscreens.

The partnership is made up of a number of agencies including Arun District Council and Sussex Police, which work to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour across the district.

Paul Wotherspoon, Arun’s cabinet member for community safety and chairman of the partnership, said: “There has been a recent increase in vehicle crime in the district and we hope these free packs will help motorists deter criminals from targeting their car as most vehicle crime is opportunistic.

“We want people to be mindful of what they do to protect their homes and apply the same concept to their cars. Don’t give criminals an easy ride.”

The 1,000 packs are offered free to residents and victims of car crime and will be issued on a first come, first served basis.

Inspector Gavin Whitehouse said: “Make sure you always remember to lock your car and take all valuable items with you as it really does reduce the chances of your vehicle being targeted by criminals.

“It sounds like simple advice but it really does work.

 “You can also help reduce the chances of your local community being targeted by always reporting any suspicious behaviour to us on the Sussex Police non-emergency number 0845 60 70 999, or 999 if a theft is taking place.

“If you report information to us, we can make sure we are targeting our patrols effectively.”

The packs are available to collect at Arun Civic Centre in Littlehampton, Bognor Regis Town Hall, and the police station in Bognor Regis.

For more information contact Arun Community Safety on 01903 737670 or email [email protected].