MORE than half of car crime in Poole could be prevented if people just locked their doors and windows.

Officers are hoping the alarming statistics will shock motorists into action and help reduce the increasing levels of vehicle crime.

They say gangs are targeting the more affluent areas looking for richer pickings and are succeeding because the vehicles have been left insecure.

Between May 1 and July 9 there were 91 thefts from vehicles reported in Poole north.

A staggering 48 – 53 per cent of these incidents were from insecure vehicles.

The same number of offences were reported in Poole south in the same period and 57 per cent – 52 crimes – were from insecure cars and vans.

Inspector Steve Horton, of Poole South, said: “We could significantly reduce vehicle crime if people took responsibility for their property.

“It is frustrating that more than half of these crimes would be stopped if people remembered the simple basic security.

“We know of groups of people who are going around in the early evening and at night randomly trying cars in certain areas and taking items from those that are unlocked.

“It tends to be the more affluent areas where people are looking for richer pickings.”

Insp Horton said many offences take place in the evenings and overnight on residential streets and driveways.

“We do live in a safe part of the world but people should not be complacent about that.”

KEEP VALUABLES OUT OF SIGHT

THE Daily Echo joined PC Nick Lee on patrol in the Penn Hill area of Poole to see firsthand how careless motorists are being with security.

Within minutes we found countless work vans and cars with their windows down and doors unlocked.

PC Lee said: “A lot of thefts seem to be quite opportunist with people going around trying car doors to see what is open.

“We want people to remember that when they leave their cars to lock it and take all valuables out of view.”

PC Lee said one patrol team found 10 cars unlocked at 3am in just one road.

He said police officers and PSCOs are carrying out regular patrols in hot spots areas, as well as educating residents and sending out crime prevention messages at meetings.