Derbyshire Police share tell-tale sign that thieves may break into your car after spate of incidents

Photo shows Holborn View in Ripley where cars were targeted
-Credit:Reach Publishing Services Limited


Police have appealed for information and CCTV footage after a number of vehicles in and around Ripley were broken into over the course of one night. The break-ins took place from 4pm on January 31 to 3am on February 3.

No vehicles were stolen, police have confirmed, but there were some thefts from vehicles. Items taken include a laptop, jacket, power drill and cash.

The incidents happened in Holborn View, Windmill Close, Peasehill, Quenby Lane, and Springhill Way. Two of the vehicles were at the same address in Peasehill, and two in the same road in Springhill were targeted.

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Police have asked for people who may have seen anything, or who have CCTV, to contact 101, quoting reference number 25*63700.

Derbyshire Constabulary has warned drivers to always lock their cars, particularly if they have wing mirrors that fold in automatically when locked. “Criminal gangs are looking for vehicles like these where the wing mirrors are still out because it is clear to them that the vehicle has been left unlocked,” its advice states.

You should not leave items like your mobile phone, coins, sunglasses or packs of medication as these are “irresistible to the opportunist thief”, police warn. “It should go without saying that wallets, handbags, purses and credit cards should never be left in an unattended vehicle.”

Leaving mounts for Sat Navs, suction cup marks on windows, or having cables on view could give it away to thieves that you have a smartphone or electronic device in the car.

If you leave tools in your van overnight, you should mark them clearly with your name or company name and address using paint pens, which you should seal with a clear lacquer spray. Derbyshire Constabulary says this is because “items that are clearly marked are less desirable and more difficult to sell on”.