Police advice to prevent car theft incidents
Police are investigating a new case of theft of a car, which was left parked with the keys in the engine's ignition. The theft case is being investigated by the Limassol CID.
According to the complaint submitted to the police by the owner of the car, the vehicle, worth 9 thousand euros, was stolen around 7.50 on Sunday morning, while parked on a road in Limassol. The car had been left parked at the spot, unlocked and running, with the keys in the engine.
The Police, for the purposes of preventing similar incidents of theft, are making recommendations to the public, owners and responsible vehicle drivers, that when parking their vehicle, even if stopping for a few minutes, the keys are removed, the windows are fully closed, and the vehicle is locked.
It is worth noting that the failure to take protective security measures and to keep the keys and the vehicle itself constitutes an offence, particularly where, as a result of negligent storage of the vehicle, another person illegally gains possession of and illegally drives the vehicle.
By way of example, a number of protective measures that vehicle owners and drivers are encouraged to take are set out below:
-We do not leave our car running and never leave the keys in the ignition or in the car. Even if we are going to be away, even for a very short time, for a visit to a shop, office or other place, we lock our car and keep the keys in our possession
-We always lock the doors and fully roll up the windows, even if our car is parked in front of our house or in another place we consider safe
-We do not leave our car keys exposed in prominent places or where any third party can access our home, workplace or any other place we visit
-We always park our car in places where there is plenty of street lighting and preferably in supervised car parks. Dark or secluded places make it easier for thieves
-Finally, it is recommended to install an anti-theft alarm system in your car
In addition, do not leave valuables or other items visible in your car. Always put possessions in a locked boot, out of sight.
