Vehicle crime is a concern for many residents, and understanding how to mitigate the risk is essential. While Bingham, within Rushcliffe, boasts a safety score of 87/100 – higher than the UK average of 79 – it's important to note that its crime rate stands at 55.0 incidents per 1,000 residents, which is lower than the UK average of 91.6. However, complacency can still lead to preventable losses.
Given the population of Bingham is 10,128, this crime rate translates to a significant number of incidents, highlighting the need for preventative measures. Although property crime rates are comparatively lower at 19.2 per 1,000, vehicle crime is a specific concern that requires targeted action.
So, what can you do? Here are some practical steps to reduce your risk:
- Secure Parking: Whenever possible, park in well-lit and visible areas. A thief is less likely to target a vehicle if they risk being seen.
- Vehicle Security: Ensure your vehicle’s doors and windows are always locked, even when parked at home. Consider upgrading your vehicle’s security system with an alarm or immobilizer.
- Valuables Out of Sight: Never leave valuables in plain sight. This includes sat-nav devices, mobile phones, and even loose change. A ‘nothing to steal’ approach can be very effective.
- Steering Locks: A visible steering lock can act as a deterrent, signalling to potential thieves that the vehicle is protected.
- Dash Cam: A dash cam can record incidents and provide valuable evidence if your vehicle is targeted.
- Vehicle Registration Marking: Marking your vehicle’s components with a unique identifier can deter theft and aid in recovery if stolen.
- Report Suspicious Activity: If you see anything suspicious in Bingham, report it to the police. Even seemingly minor observations can help prevent crime.