Residents of Stow-on-the-Wold can take several proactive steps to help prevent vehicle crime. While Stow-on-the-Wold's overall crime rate stands at 79.8 per 1,000 residents, which is slightly lower than the UK average of 91.6, vehicle crime remains a potential concern for all areas. Understanding the context and taking precautions is vital.
Firstly, it’s important to acknowledge the broader property crime rate. Stow-on-the-Wold experiences a property crime rate of 27.1 per 1,000, which contributes to the overall crime rate. Vehicle crime falls under this umbrella, meaning prevention strategies should be broadly applicable to protecting belongings.
Here's what residents can do:
- Remove Valuables: Never leave valuables, such as sat navs, phones, or bags, in plain sight. Even items of seemingly little value can attract opportunistic thieves.
- Secure Parking: Park in well-lit and visible areas whenever possible. A thief is less likely to target a vehicle that is easily observed.
- Vehicle Security Devices: Consider installing security devices such as alarms, immobilisers, and steering wheel locks. These can deter thieves and make vehicles harder to steal.
- Lock Your Vehicle: This might seem obvious, but ensure all doors and windows are locked, even when parked for short periods. A surprising number of vehicle crimes occur because of unlocked vehicles.
- Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Pay attention to your surroundings when approaching and leaving your vehicle. If something feels amiss, trust your instincts.
- Report Suspicious Activity: If you see anything suspicious, report it to the police immediately. This can help prevent crime and keep the community safe.
While Stow-on-the-Wold boasts a safety score of 83/100, demonstrating a generally safe environment compared to the UK average of 79, vigilance and preventative measures are essential for all residents to minimise the risk of vehicle crime.