Police put brakes on teen crimewave (From Warrington Guardian)

Police put brakes on teen crimewave

TWO Nantwich boys have been arrested on 10 charges of car crime in Nantwich town centre.

The youngsters, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, are due to appear at South Cheshire Youth Court in Crewe today.

The boys were arrested as part of the police's month-long Operation Wheelspin campaign, which targets vehicle crime.

Crewe police is stepping up observation work and other investigations throughout the borough, but officers are asking residents to play their part too.

Detective Inspector Alan Allman said: "In some cases these situations build up and then disappear when we make an arrest. Some other areas have longer-term problems.

"The best way of combating the problem is prevention and that message is still largely being ignored by drivers."

The borough's community safety officer, Mark Cotton said: "Locking your car is the first rule when it comes to making it safe.

"Not leaving your possessions on show is another, if you've got a radio, stereo or CD player which can be taken out, remove it and mark all your car equipment with the vehicle registration number.

"Locking wheel nuts is a good idea too, 40 per cent of vehicle crime happens outside the drivers home so it's especially important to think about security there.

"If you're out and about, think carefully about where you park. If it'll be dark before you return, try to leave the vehicle in a well-light area, or, better still, find a secured car park."