NEWS STORY: OCTOBER 2009

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Reducing vulnerable vehicles

Wardens

With the help of our street wardens, we’re improving our Vulnerable Vehicle Scheme by caring for cars in even more areas across north Manchester.

What’s the scheme about?

While on patrol, our wardens keep an eye out and flag up any parked vehicles they think are at risk. They look for things like unlocked doors and valuables on display – anything that could attract a crime. They then make a note of the vehicle and approach the owner (either directly or through Greater Manchester Police) to advise them of security measures.

Seven new areas

Although the wardens have carried out vehicle checks in Harpurhey, Moston, Newton Heath, Miles Platting, Collyhurst and Ancoats for a number of years, this is the first time the service has been launched in Cheetham, Crumpsall, Higher Blackley, Blackley Village, Whitemoss, Charlestown and New Moston. This means seven new areas will now benefit from the scheme.

And it really works!

We know the scheme works because of the figures.  Car crime in Ancoats, for example, was reduced by 63 per cent between 2005 and 2007 while our wardens were on patrol.

Keep your car clear

Alexis Boddy, Northwards Warden Team Leader said: ‘Where car security is concerned you can never be too careful. We once received a report of a car being broken in to for 40p in loose change left in the centre console. It’s best to leave your car as clear of as many personal belongings as possible, and to ensure that anything you do leave is out of view in either the boot or glove box. Remember to remove sat-nav holders from the windscreen and clean away any marks left by the suckers as these are a dead give away.’

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