Police are warning drivers in the Hollybush area of Welwyn Garden City about an increase in the number of vehicle registration plates being stolen.
Drivers should always try to park their vehicles in a secure location and report any suspicious behaviour around parked vehicles to police.
PC Chris Ross, of the Welwyn Garden City Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “There’s been a slight increase in the number of registration plates being stolen in the Hollybush area this year and we want to make sure that drivers take all possible precautions to keep their vehicles safe.
“We are asking all residents and businesses to be vigilant and report suspicious behaviour around parked vehicles via the non-emergency number 101 or if they see a crime in progress to call 999 immediately.”
These are some other measures you can take to keep your vehicle safe:
• Look out for car parks with a Secured Car Park sign which have recognised levels of security.
• If you have a garage at home, make sure you use it and lock it properly.
• If you keep your car on the drive, you could consider having a 'dusk-til-dawn' or motion sensitive security light fitted at the front of your house - thieves don't like to be illuminated.
• Noisy gravel on your drive can help deter a would-be thief, as they don't want to alert you to their approach.
• Remember to put your aerial down to stop it being vandalised.
• Always take the keys out of the ignition even if you’re just de-icing the car, stopping to buy a newspaper or popping back into your home to get something.
For more information on vehicle security visit: www.herts.police.uk/advice/crime_prevention.