NEWS | Police issue alert following recent car key burglaries / attempted burglaries in Herefordshire

West Mercia Police have issued an alert to residents following recent car key burglaries / attempted burglaries in Herefordshire.

It comes following an incident in Ross-on-Wye.

A spokesperson for West Mercia Police said:

“We have received a call from a member of public on 13/11/2024, reporting a youth acting suspiciously around their vehicle in the Woodedge area.

“Where he has walked onto the drive and looked through the windows.

“While we have had two recent car key burglaries or attempted burglaries in our rural areas. 

“If you’ve seen anything suspicious or have information that might help with enquires, please call 101.”

You can also report a crime here: 

https://www.westmercia.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime

The information we receive from the public is essential in bringing criminals to justice. 

Important advice and information from West Mercia Police:

Car key burglary is when an offender breaks into a home with the specific aim of stealing car keys and the vehicle from the property.

Perpetrators often target specific vehicles, based on demand and value. If a criminal is targeting a certain vehicle, they will also be targeting the owner, looking for easy ways to exploit their security and get to their keys. 

If you think you are being followed or see any suspicious vehicles lurking, take the registration number and report it to us.

Further crime prevention methods to deter car key burglars:

Keep your keys somewhere safe and out of sight

If you can, lock your car in a garage

Fit a high-quality alarm to your vehicle

Consider additional security systems such as immobilisers and visible security locks

Always take your keys with you when leaving your vehicle unattended

Keep your keys safe and concealed in public places

Male sure doors, windows, the boot and sunroof are locked and secure before leaving your carIf there are more than one vehicle at your property, park the lesser valued vehicle behind the more expensive one on the driveway

Also make sure you keep your house doors and windows lockedInstall a high-quality burglar alarm Install an exterior security light 

Thank you for your help. It is only by the police and the public working together that we can prevent and detect crime.