South Ribble Police are reminding Penwortham residents to be vigilant about security after a spate of vehicle crime in the area.

Over the past few nights a number of insecure vehicles have been entered, especially around the Kingsfold area.

Police have stepped up patrols in this area with a view to identifying and targeting those responsible.

Sgt Anthony Burgess, of South Ribble Police, said: “This serves as a timely reminder for people about the importance of ensuring windows and doors on cars and homes are secure, particularly when you’re out, in another room or are asleep.

“Leaving them open is an easy opportunity for thieves.”

Read more: Crime news from Blog Preston

He advised:

At home
• Close and lock your doors and windows when you go out, even if you are just in the garden.
• Where possible, fit dead locks to the doors and don’t leave the keys where they can be seen or reached through the letter box.
• Install security lights and consider a burglar alarm.
• Remember to cancel deliveries before you go on holiday. 
• Keep an eye on your neighbour’s property and encourage them to do the same for you. Report anything suspicious to the police.

Your vehicle
• Always lock it!
• Never leave items on display, such as shopping bags, handbags, or coats. Don’t leave spare keys or sat navs in your vehicle, even in the glove box.
• At home, don’t leave car keys in clear view from windows or in reach from the letter box. 
• If you use your vehicle for work, remove your tools or other valuables if possible. Simple things like reversing onto the drive so that the rear doors on a van can’t be opened easily will help to put thieves off.
• Park where your vehicle can be seen, even if it means walking a bit further. 
• Consider steering locks, alarms, tracking devices and immobilisers and if you have them, use them.

Your shed, garage or outbuilding
• Make sure all outbuildings are in good condition and if they aren’t, don’t leave valuable items inside. 
• Use good quality padlocks with covers so they cannot be easily cut off.
• Never leave tools or ladders lying around the garden. 
• Make sure the side gate and shed are locked and keep boundary fences, walls and gates in good repair.
• Take photographs of valuable property because if the police recover it after a burglary, this will be proof that they are yours.

Anyone with information or concerns about burglary can contact police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. In an emergency, always dial 999.