The question of how residents of Clyst St Mary can prevent vehicle crime is a valid one. While Clyst St Mary, a built-up area in East Devon, enjoys a relatively good safety score of 85 out of 100 – higher than the UK average of 79 – it’s still important to be proactive. The overall crime rate in Clyst St Mary stands at 54.0 incidents per 1,000 residents, which is lower than the UK average of 91.6. However, understanding specific vulnerabilities is key to prevention.
Although overall crime rates are favourable, it’s crucial to note the property crime rate within Clyst St Mary is 19.6 per 1,000 residents. Vehicle crime falls under the umbrella of property crime, so targeted prevention is essential. The risk is not necessarily higher than other areas, but awareness and preventative action can minimise potential losses.
So, what steps can residents take? Here’s a breakdown of practical measures:
- Lock Your Vehicle: This seems obvious, but many vehicle crimes occur because vehicles are left unlocked. Always ensure your doors and windows are fully locked, even when parked briefly.
- Remove Valuables: Never leave valuable items visible inside your car. This includes sat navs, phone chargers, bags, and even loose change. Opportunistic thieves are often looking for easy targets.
- Consider an Alarm System: Installing a vehicle alarm system can deter thieves. Modern alarms often include immobilisers and can alert residents via smartphone apps.
- Park in Well-Lit Areas: Where possible, park your vehicle in a well-lit and populated area. Thieves prefer to operate under the cover of darkness.
- Security Marking: Marking your vehicle’s parts with a unique identifier can make them less attractive to thieves and easier to recover if stolen.
- Dash Cam: A dash cam can provide valuable evidence if a crime does occur and may also deter potential thieves.
- Report Suspicious Activity: If you see anything suspicious in your area, report it to the police. Your vigilance can help prevent crime and protect your community.
While the data suggests Clyst St Mary is generally a safe place to live, proactive preventative measures are always advisable. By taking these steps, residents can contribute to maintaining the area’s high safety score and minimising the risk of vehicle crime.