We need your help to tackle serious criminals stealing high end cars and using them to get away from burglaries in places like Meysey Hampton, South Cerney, Fairford, Bourton-on-the-Water and Moreton-in-the Marsh.
These gangs have been stealing from homes and businesses in rural communities for the last few months.
They ruthlessly exploit border and rural areas across the country but they aren’t always subtle in their preparation.
They often explore places looking for the next potential home, business or vehicle to target, so if you see gangs of lads in expensive cars driving fast or erratically, driving slowly past premises or cars, parked up on private land or just seeming out of place don’t roll your eyes – report it to us on 101 or here: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/contact-us/report-a-crime-or-incident/.
It may seem quite trivial or innocuous but it may actually be the little piece of the jigsaw we need to prevent people experiencing the anguish of a burglary or the devastation left behind when a local shop or cashpoint is raided.
Officers are out and about in your community to help find the criminals but as you know these areas can be vast so your support is appreciated to find them before they strike.
If you own a high-powered car like a Volkswagen Golf R, Audi or Mercedes model then don’t just rely on electronic security like immobilisers and alarms, because the criminals will sometimes break into a house just to steal the keys.
Physical security devices such as steering wheel and handbrake locks, wheel clamps or simple things like padlocking gates or blocking your car in with another vehicle, can deter the thieves.
Always make sure that any security related keys are then kept separate from the vehicle keys and stored in a safe place, out of sight of any windows.
In some cases, the crooks steal number plates and fix them to them to their getaway vehicles so if your number plate is gone one day please call it in to us.
For more advice on how to help keep your vehicle safe, please visit: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/staying-safe/keeping-your-car-bike-fuel-safe/keeping-your-car-safe/
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The Appeals Team (Police, External Communications Officer, )
