Warning after car theft spike

Police are urging motorists to ensure that no valuables are left on display in vehicles, especially those parked in popular beauty spot car parks, following numerous reports of thefts.

Sometime between 5pm on April 2 and 7.30am on April 7, a vehicle parked on Derby Road in Clay Cross was stripped of parts including the front panel, bumper, bonnet and lights.

A mobile phone was stolen from a tractor parked in a field on Furnace Lane, in Barlow, Dronfield, during a half an hour time frame from 1pm on April 5.

Sometime between 10am and 2.20pm on Thursday April 9, thieves smashed the rear window of a Mini One which was parked in a car park along Mapleton Lane, Ashbourne. A Samsung Galaxy tablet, two Samsung mobile phones and a leather handbag were stolen from within.

During this time, thieves forced open the door of a Renault Scenic that was parked in the same location. A search of the vehicle was carried out and the fuse box appeared to have been disturbed, however nothing was stolen.

Items including an Apple iPod Touch, Superdry sunglasses and power tools were also stolen following thefts from vehicles in the area. The thefts took place on Bernard Gadsby Close and Cokayne Avenue in Ashbourne, Hurst Rise in Matlock and Hopton, Wirksworth.

Community Safety Inspector, Russ Dakin said: “These crimes can be avoided with nothing more than a simple check of vehicle security and we’re encouraging local drivers to make sure they’ve locked up and no valuable items are left on display when they leave their vehicles.

“People can take simple steps to boost their vehicle security including ensuring windows are up and the vehicle is locked; wiping away any suction marks left behind by sat-nav or phone holders and fitting an alarm system and steering lock.”

Call police on 101.