Locking Of Cars Advised

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31730, 13 July 1968, Page 14

Locking Of Cars Advised

Drivers would be well advised to lock their cars while attending the Rugby test in Christchurch today, said the police crime - prevention officer (Detective Sergeant E. J. Stackhouse) last evening.

He said the value of money and other property stolen from cars and the value of vehicles unlawfully taken in Christchurch in the first six months of this year totalled $164,426. “This was more than half the total value of money and goods stolen by burglars, thieves and confidence men,” he said. “More than 80 per cent oi cars converted and cars from which property was stolen were left unlocked. The adage that a fool and his money are soon parted is borne out by these crime statistics. “Last month, $5OO was stolen from one car, $337

from another and $2OO from a third. In six thefts from other cars, more than $lOO was stolen on each occasion.

“Altogether, 103 thefts from vehicles were reported last month—and 90 of the vehicles were left unlocked Thefts from unlocked cars in drives and garages of private homes are becoming more prevalent.

“Thirty-five cars were unlawfully taken last month Nearly all were left un locked and most had the keys in the ignition switch. “Careless car owners cause the police a great deal of work. Cheque-books stolen from unlocked cars were the start of a great many of the

29 cases of false pretences reported last month, for example. Retailers have become lax, because this was easily the biggest number of false pretences reported in any month this year. “In a number of the cases, retailers cashed big cheques for small purchases. “Lock your car whenever and wherever it is left unoccupied. Make it a habit so that it becomes automatic. Don’t wait until property or money is stolen from youi car or your car is converted There are three thefts from cars every day in Christchurch and one car is converted every day,” Detective Sergeant Stackhouse said.