20 June 2011
Dozens of Hamilton residents will be waking to find either a Police officer on their doorstep or that their car has been broken into following a spate of thefts-ex car in the City early this morning.
Acting Sergeant Murray MacDonald said officers carrying out area enquiries following reports of a four-door silver sedan speeding off from a theft on East St about 3am began to find several damaged vehicles.
"In all we've found 20 cars broken into, mostly in an area around Claudelands between East St and Pearsons Ave but also a few cars as far away as Dinsdale.
"All had been parked out on the road and had either their quarter window and driver's side windows smashed with a variety of items taken."
Mr MacDonald said this morning's incidents highlighted the message of the Police's 'Lock it or Lose it' campaign which stresses the need for people to remove valuables from their car or if they can't, to secure them out of sight.
"So far we only know of cars parked out on the street being affected, on Pearsons Ave each of the three cars parked on the street were damaged while on another four out of five were targeted.
"The best approach to vehicle security is a layered one, where available secure your vehicles in a locked garage, if one is not available park in a driveway or on the section and then lastly if you have to park on the street but consider the value of a steering lock and car alarm."
Anyone who may have information on the identities of the offenders involved in this morning's break-ins is asked to contact the Hamilton Central Police Station on 07 858 6200.
Alternatively information can be left anonymously on the Crimestoppers crimeline; 0800 555111.
End