Police warn on leaving valuables

Police in E District identified 441 vehicles over the Christmas period with valuables left on display.

A total of 195 vehicles were identified in the north of the District (Banbridge and Craigavon) and 246 in the south (Armagh and Newry).

The vehicles were identified as part of a proactive operation which ran from December 1 to January 12.

Officers on patrol identified vehicles with items of value, such as laptops, mobile phones, handbags etc, on display therefore making them more likely targets of crime.

Police contacted last registered owners of the vehicles to make them aware of the potential risks of leaving valuables on display and provided crime prevention advice and tips.

Community Safety Sergeant Wendy Walker explained: “The aim of this operation was to educate the public about the risks they are taking by leaving valuables on view in their vehicles.

“No one wants to be the victim of a crime and we all have a responsibility to protect ourselves and our property in the best way we can.”