Police step up patrols in North East Derbyshire following spate of car thefts

Derbyshire Police are urging drivers in the north of the county to remain vigilant and keep their vehicles secure after several vehicles were broken into and factory fitted sat navs were stolen.

Land Rovers have also been taken by thieves in the area over recent days.

A grey Land Rover Discovery was stolen from Laburnum Close in Creswell between the hours of 5pm on February 9 to 8am the next day.

It comes after a black Land Rover Discovery was also taken from Church Street in Barlborough sometime between 7pm on February 8 to 7.30am the following day.

And a sat nav was stolen from a white Seat Ibiza while it was parked in Gill Lane in Grassmoor, from around 9.45pm on February 2 to 10am the next day.

On February 6, a dashcam camera and sat nav was also stolen from a Vauxhall Adam while it was parked in a driveway on Parkhouse Road in Lower Pilsley at around 6.15am.

Officers have stepped up patrols in the north east area as a result of the crimes and are urging car owners to keep their vehicles locked and valuables out of sight.

Anyone who recognises anyone acting suspiciously in their street or notices an unfamiliar car, which is potentially driving too slowly around the area is encouraged to make a note of the make or model numbers and registration plates.

Police have advised motorists to park in a garage and if they have access to one to leave their car in a well-lit area, while investing in devices that make vehicles harder to steal such as a steering lock.

To report information about the series of car thefts, residents should call Derbyshire Constabulary on 101 or alternatively send them a message via Facebook, Twitter or fill in a form on their website.

You can also anonymously contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111 or by visiting www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

But if a crime is happening now, residents should call the force on emergency number 999.

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