HOLIDAYMAKERS travelling to the UK this summer are being warned to be on guard against thieves targeting their cars.
The reminder follows reports earlier this year of an increase in thefts from vehicles belonging to Channel Islanders parked near ports on the southern English coast.
Authorities said the vehicles themselves were not stolen, but thieves took valuables left inside.
The warning, issued by Guernsey’s police force, advises anyone leaving belongings in their cars to ensure their vehicles are locked and valuable items are not left visible. Ideally tourists should take everything into the hotel with them.
If possible they should park their car somewhere well lit and covered by CCTV.
They were also advised to leave glove boxes empty and open, or install notices stating that no valuables are left in the vehicle overnight.
A police spokesperson said: “Thieves like these are opportunists. If we deny them any opportunities, we are far more likely to avoid becoming their victims.
“Lock your car, hide your belongings and keep your valuables on you.”
Last month it was reported that several parked vehicles were broken into at the Premier Inn at Holes Bay near Poole ferry terminal.
At the time, a spokesperson for the hotel chain that car crime was “sadly” a common issue and “not exclusive to our car parks”.
