Police send serious Valentine's message about car crime (From Swindon Advertiser)

Police send serious Valentine's message about car crime

9:20am Wednesday 15th February 2012 in News By Matthew Edwards

DRIVERS were surprised to find the police playing Cupid yesterday as they received Valentine’s cards warning them of the danger of car crime.

Wiltshire Police went out on their regular patrols armed with Valentine’s cards, but rather than the usual romantic message these cards carried a more serious poem.

Romantic beauty spots, such as Stanton Park and Nightingale Woods, in particular were targeted with the police placing the cards on the windscreens of cars in the car parks and handing them out to drivers.

Juliet Evans, PCSO for Rural North, said: “This is a serious message with a romantic touch.

“It is important to remind drivers to take care of their belongings when they are using their car.

“We have had a good reaction. Everyone is taking on board the message and I think they are liking the different approach.

“I cover the rural areas so beauty spots such as Nightingale Woods, Lechlade and Stanton Park where people go and leave their cars in the car parks for long periods.

“When people go to places like this especially in the half term they have a lot to think about and often leave things visible in the car.”

Car crime in North Swindon has been an issue, according to acting sergeant Frank Key, especially before Christmas but they are hoping with campaigns such as these drivers will become more aware of what to do.

Sgt Key said: “The aim of the campaign is to raise awareness of the importance of ensuring your vehicle is secure and items are not left on show.

“The main message to drivers is not to leave anything on display even empty bags because although the owner knows there is nothing in the car a thief would not.

“By adopting a slightly different approach and tying it in with Valentine’s Day, we hope it will be more memorable to people and help build on our existing crime prevention activity.”