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Hidden cameras help capture Preston car thieves

Posted on - 24th January, 2012 - 8:45am | Author - | Posted in - Crime, Preston News
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Footage from inside the capture cars shows car thieves in action

Shocking footage catching car thieves in action has been released by Lancashire Police as they crackdown on car theft.

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The video shows a ‘trap car’ rigged with hidden cameras being broken into by criminals.

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Watch footage from the capture cars below

Two 17-year-olds pleaded guilty to stealing from a motor vehicle after being caught on camera.

One was sentenced to a four month curfew and ordered to pay £85 costs and the other was sentenced to a youth rehabilitation order including a 17 day curfew supervision requirement with a youth offending team.

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Police were startled by the number of unlocked vehicles left on the streets of the city, with half of all vehicle crimes reported in the first two weeks of 2012 involving unlocked vehicles.

Sgt Paul Whitehead of Preston Police said: “As the footage shows, it can take as little as three seconds for a thief to smash a car window and steal valuables. I hope that by seeing it, motorists will remember the importance of securing their vehicle and removing items from view.

“Many vehicle criminals are opportunists. If you leave an IPod, mobile phone, sat nav or cash on display, this will attract the attention of thieves.

“We need the public’s help to continue reducing vehicle crime in Preston. By simply locking your car and removing any valuables from view, you can help to prevent crime.”

Further footage shows two boys breaking into an unlocked car but not stealing anything.

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A 16-year-old admitted attempted theft from a motor vehicle and was given a police caution and a 15-year-old pleaded guilty to vehicle interference and was given a conditional discharge for six months.

Information about vehicle crime can be reported to the police on 101. The independent charity Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or on-line at Crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken by Crimestoppers, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.

What do you think about the capture cars? A good idea? Let us know your views in the comments below

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