Motorists are being warned not to give a gift to a car-thief this Christmas, by ensuring their cars are kept locked and secured.
Officers from across the 25 Safer Neighbourhood Teams (SNTs) will be patrolling busy car park areas over the next few weeks, handing out crime prevention leaflets to motorists advising them on how to keep their vehicle and valuable safe, while Christmas shopping.
As well as visiting shops and businesses along Purley Way, officers will also be speaking to business managers about their parking security and how it can be improved for customers.
PC Nigel Albuery, from the Croydon Town Centre team, said: "With the Christmas rush now on, it’s easy for people to forget to lock their car door or leave a sat-nav stuck to the windscreen after they’ve parked up.
"Never leave any valuables inside your car at all, or if you have no choice, then make sure they are completely out of view.
"We’ve known thieves break into cars because they’ve seen some loose change on the front seat.
"Whilst the direct cost might not be great you could end up having to replace a broken window and have to deal with all the hassle of getting it fixed."
Shoppers are advised to use one of 15 'ParkMark' approved car parks, which meet certain security requirements and have been assessed by police.
'ParkMark' car parks can be found at parkmark.co.uk
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