Press Release Summary = As reported widely in recent times, satnav devices are proving to be a temptation for many opportunistic thieves, with a spate of these crimes occurring across the country. Police, in an effort to curb this rising level of criminal activity, are issuing notices \"remove it or lose it\" to drivers and attempting to educate them about the dangers their vehicles may face.
Press Release Body = As reported widely in recent times, satnav devices are proving to be a temptation for many opportunistic thieves, with a spate of these crimes occurring across the country. Police, in an effort to curb this rising level of criminal activity, are issuing notices \"remove it or lose it\" to drivers and attempting to educate them about the dangers their vehicles may face.
But it seems one constabulary has gone one step further, with Gwent Police bringing in a new hi-tech camera system designed to catch crooks on the job. Covert capture cars, parked throughout the force\'s area of jurisdiction, aim to take pictures of thieves as they go about their nefarious business. And further to that, sophisticated gadgetry inside the capture car will then alert nearby officers, who can respond to the incident.
Detective Inspector Richard Williams stated his hope that the new technology will capture criminals and cut the level of offences.
\"This is the first time Gwent Police has used this tool to tackle vehicle crime and we know that it will be invaluable in securing successful prosecutions,\" he remarked.
\"Offenders will be caught on camera when they break into a capture car and not only will it catch people committing crime but it will also go some way in deterring people and making them think twice about breaking into vehicles in Gwent.\"
Figures reveal that Gwent Police are having some degree of success in their battle to cut car crime. According to the constabulary, a six per cent fall in car crime was recorded between October and December 2006 from the same period in the previous year. This represents a fall in incident numbers from 2,042 to 1,923.
Part of this may be due to another innovative scheme the local police are undertaking as they bid to raise awareness of car break-ins. As more thieves target cars with satnav devices, sometimes hiding them under the seat is not sufficient as they leave a residue on the windscreen. Gwent Police are giving out special \"wipe and clear\" kits, which motorists can use to remove any traces of these tell-tale marks when they park their vehicles. According to the authority, this is a pioneering scheme and the first time it has been implemented in Wales.
Additionally, officers are making a note of cars with valuables on display, the drivers of which will then receive a letter and a wipe and clear kit through the post.
2025
