Police in South Gloucestershire are warning motorists to be on the alert after a man was charged with theft of a handbag from a car parked at a church.
The car had been left locked outside Holy Trinity Church, Kingswood High Street, for just 15 minutes on Saturday August 01 2009 when a thief struck, smashing the window and taking the bag from the passenger footwell.
Officers have arrested a 30-year-old Kingswood man who has been charged with theft and is due before Northavon Magistrates on August 21 2009.
Kingswood Neighbourhood Inspector Kevin Thatcher said: “I urge drivers to look into their car as they lock up. If they can see a bag, sat nav, mobile phone holder or almost anything else, so could a thief, and they won’t hesitate to break in, so don’t leave it on view.
“Mark your audio equipment with your post-code and keep a record of the serial number – this will deter thieves because it helps police identify property as stolen.
“Another tip is to register your valuables with www.immobilise.com – it’s free and secure and regularly checked by police across the country.”
Visit the police website, www.avonandsomerset.police.uk for more ways to keep your car safe.
Source: Avon and Somerset Police
