DRIVERS are being reminded to “lock it or lose it” following a spate of recent vehicle thefts where Islanders left their keys inside the cars.
Inspector David Turnbull, head of the community policing team, stressed that – despite Jersey’s low crime rate – vehicles unlocked with their keys inside were vulnerable to “opportune” thieves.
The warning comes after the force announced increased patrols and road checks across the Island throughout the festive period, as it looks to tackle drink-driving.
Insp Turnbull said there had also been a number of recent vehicle thefts and that “the keys have been in the vehicles on all occasions”.
“From a community [policing] point of view, but also as an SIO for serious and fatal RTCs, part of the bigger picture we look at is that if these vehicles are taken they could then end up being involved in a road-traffic collision,” he continued.
“That [has] implications for other road users, pedestrians, the person who has taken the car – and the simple thing of taking your vehicle keys out of your car and putting them at home completely eliminates the risk of that car being taken and used in an offence or RTC later.”
Officers are working closely with the honorary police on patrols across the Island during December, to tackle drivers who have been drinking and driving either that same day or the morning after.
Mr Turnbull said: “All it takes is one drunk driver to cause an accident or a collision that has massive implications, not only for them but for families and communities.”
