Operation to tackle car thefts (From Warrington Guardian)

Operation to tackle car thefts

POLICE are hopeful they have brought a spate of car thefts in Winsford to an end following an operation to tackle the problem.

Both fire and police chiefs raised concerns last month that an increasing number of cars were being stolen in Winsford and in many cases left abandoned and burned out.

Police arrested three youths for stealing both mopeds and cars last week and it is hoped the situation will now improve.

Det Sgt Dave Snasdell, from Winsford Neighbourhood Policing Unit, said: "There were quite a lot of incidents involving cars and mopeds being stolen.

"In particular older cars such as Ford Escorts were being stolen because they are easier to steal.

"These cars were then being raced around the estates before being abandoned.

"Hopefully the arrests we have made will bring this spate to a conclusion."

Det Sgt Snasdell is now urging owners to make sure their vehicles are secure.

He said: "I would like people to reassess the security of their vehicles and make sure they make it as difficult as possible for criminals.

"I would ask people with mopeds to make sure they are securely padlocked.

"We have done some excellent work in recovering the vehicles but we don't want them to be stolen in the first place.

"There are a number of very simple ways that people can make it extremely hard for someone to steal their car of moped."