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Police tell thieves: 'Don't bother'

4/ 3/2002

CRIME prevention was high on the agenda last week when the mobile police POD rolled into Middleton town centre.

Officers from the Middleton and Heywood sub-division were on hand to give out advice to members of the public to make sure they do not become a victim.

The visit was designed to help people who in today's society are at risk from criminal activity, namely pensioners and car and mobile phone owners.

Following a successful pilot by the Avon and Somerset force, police in Middleton are following their example and using a new technique in their bid to cut theft from cars.

Among the many leaflets and tips given out to shoppers on the day were "Don't Bother" signs.

The highly visible signs should be displayed on the dashboard of a vehicle and inform any would-be thief there isn't anything worth stealing in the vehicle.

Brian Farr, Crime Reduction Officer for Middleton, said: "The aim of the scheme is two-fold, to remind the public to take valuables with them when they leave a car, and to tell opportunist thieves not to bother breaking in."

All the crime prevention leaflets given out on the day are available at Middleton Police Station on Oldham Road.