Vehicle crime can be a concern for residents anywhere, and Mere is no exception. The good news is that Mere, a built-up area in Wiltshire, demonstrates a relatively positive safety profile. With a population of 3190, the overall crime rate stands at 56.8 incidents per 1,000 residents, which is significantly lower than the UK national average of 91.6 per 1,000. The area also benefits from a safety score of 87/100, exceeding the UK average of 79. However, understanding the specific risks and taking preventative measures is crucial.
While the overall crime rate is favourable, it's important to acknowledge the property crime rate, which sits at 19.8 per 1,000 residents. This statistic highlights a potential area of concern for vehicle security. Vehicle crime falls under the umbrella of property crime, and while specific vehicle crime figures aren’t provided, reducing the risk of property crime generally benefits all residents.
So, what can Mere residents do to prevent vehicle crime? Several proactive steps can be taken:
- Secure Your Vehicle: Always lock your vehicle, even when parked in seemingly safe locations. Remove all valuables from view, including bags, electronics, and even loose change. A visible deterrent can discourage opportunistic thieves.
- Parking Location: Where possible, park in well-lit areas and near CCTV cameras. These locations offer increased visibility and potential for surveillance.
- Alarm Systems: Consider installing a vehicle alarm system. This can deter thieves and alert you and neighbours to any suspicious activity.
- Tracking Devices: Vehicle tracking devices can help recover a stolen vehicle, providing peace of mind.
- Report Suspicious Activity: Be vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour to Wiltshire Police. Early reporting can help prevent crimes from occurring.
- Vehicle Security Features: Ensure your vehicle's windows are properly secured and consider applying a security film to make window breaking more difficult.
By combining these measures and staying aware of their surroundings, Mere residents can contribute to maintaining the area's positive safety profile and minimising the risk of vehicle crime.