Current timestamp: 20/03/2023 19:17:01
AgeAlertAnonymousAppealsApplicationsApply Or RegisterArea OutlineArrow DownArrow LeftArrow RightArrow UpAutomatic DoorsBack ArrowBusinessCalendarCashArrow DownArrow LeftArrow RightArrow Down[Missing text '/SvgIcons/Symbols/Titles/icon-chrome' for 'English (United Kingdom)']ClockCloseContactDirectionsDocumentDownloadDrawDrugExpandExternal LinkFacebookFb CommentFb LikeFiletype DefaultFiletype DocFiletype PdfFiletype PptFiletype XlsFinance[Missing text '/SvgIcons/Symbols/Titles/icon-firefox' for 'English (United Kingdom)']First AidFlickrFraudGive FeedbackGlobeGuide DogHealthHearing ImpairedInduction LoopInfoInstagramIntercom[Missing text '/SvgIcons/Symbols/Titles/icon-internet-explorer' for 'English (United Kingdom)']LaptopLiftLinkedinLocal ActivityLoudspeakerLow CounterMailMapMap PinMembershipMenuMenu 2[Missing text '/SvgIcons/Symbols/Titles/icon-microsoft-edge' for 'English (United Kingdom)']Missing PeopleMobility ImpairmentNationalityNorth PointerOne Mile RadiusOverviewPagesPaper PlaneParkingPdfPhonePinterestPlayPushchairRefreshReportRequestRestart[Missing text '/SvgIcons/Symbols/Titles/icon-rotate-clockwise' for 'English (United Kingdom)']Rss[Missing text '/SvgIcons/Symbols/Titles/icon-safari' for 'English (United Kingdom)']SearchShareSign LanguageSnapchatStart AgainStatsStats And Prevention AdviceStopSubscribeTargetTattosTell Us AboutTickTumblrTwenty Four HoursTwitterTwitter LikeTwitter ReplyTwitter RetweetUploadVisually ImpairedWhatsappWheelchairWheelchair AssistedWheelchair ParkingWheelchair RampWheelchair WcYoutubeZoom InZoom Out

Quickly exit this site by pressing the Escape key Leave this site

Skip to main content

Skip to main navigation

Welcome

This site is a beta, which means it's a work in progress and we'll be adding more to it over the next few weeks. Your feedback helps us make things better, so please let us know what you think.

Show me the site

cheshire-header-logo ( 1)

Search this website

Main navigation menu

  • Report

    Back to Report

    • Crime
    • Domestic abuse
    • Rape, sexual assault and other sexual offences
    • Road traffic incident
    • Report antisocial behaviour
    • Missing person
    • Fraud, bribery or corruption
    • Civil disputes
    • Lost or found property
    • Lost or stolen vehicles
  • Tell us about

    Back to Tell us about

    • Tell us about possible terrorist activity
    • How to tell us about something you've seen or heard
    • An existing case or report
    • A procession or event you are planning
    • Filming
    • Abnormal vehicle load
  • Apply or register

    Back to Apply or register

    • Careers
    • Charity collection licences
    • Compensation for victims of crime
    • Firearm, shotgun or explosives certificate
    • Attend a misconduct hearing
  • Request

    Back to Request

    • A collision report
    • Intellectual property (IP) licence
    • Your fingerprints
    • Information: about the police, about yourself or someone else
  • Thanks and complaints

    Back to Thanks and complaints

    • Complaints
    • Say thanks
    • Feedback about the website
  • Your area

Breadcrumb

  1. ...
  2. News

High-powered cars being targeted by burglars in Widnes and Northwich

Main article content

Navigation

Appeals

14:00 12/06/2020

Detectives are urging motorists with high-powered cars to review their home security measures following an increase in the number of thefts of such vehicles in Widnes and Northwich.

Offenders have been snapping the locks on the front doors of residents’ homes in order to enter the premises and steal the car keys from within.

They have then been using the keys to steal the vehicles parked outside.

BMW cars are particularly being targeted.

Detective Inspector Ian Whiley, Cheshire Constabulary’s lead for burglary incidents, said: “Investigations are ongoing in relation to the recent burglaries in which high-powered cars have been stolen in Widnes and Northwich and our officers are following a number of lines of enquiry.

“Whilst these investigations take place I urge the owners of such cars to be vigilant and review the home security measures they have in place.

"By taking a few simple steps you can reduce the chances of your vehicle being targeted.

“If you own the sort of vehicle that is particularly attractive to thieves, you may want to consider having anti-snap locks fitted on the external doors of your home.

“You should also never leave your keys in view of prying eyes. Keep them on you or in another safe and secure place at all times.

“Never leave your keys by an external door.”

Other steps that motorists can take to reduce the chances of their vehicles being stolen from outside their homes include:

  • Make sure that your vehicle is locked whenever you are not in it and that you have not left any doors, windows or the sunroof open
  • If you have electronic car keys, keep them in a security pouch when you are not using them to prevent them from being scanned by thieves to open and steal your vehicle nearby
  • If your keyless entry fob can be turned off, and your dealer can confirm this, then do so overnight
  • Electronic devices can be used to jam the electronic signal from your key fob to lock your car – always manually check your vehicle has locked before walking away, and if you are unsure you should lock it manually and then scan the immediate area for anyone hanging around
  • Fitting a Sold Secure steering wheel, gear lever or clutch pedal security device can give your vehicle added protection and deter thieves
  • Many modern vehicles are fitted with engine management diagnostic ports, which can be accessed without a thief needing to open the vehicle doors, boot or bonnet, but which can unlock and start your car. If your vehicle has this type of port, consider fitting a lockable cover.

DI Whiley added: “If you see anyone acting suspiciously in your community and suspect that they are thieves targeting properties or cars, please call us on 101 immediately.

“I also urge anyone with any information regarding recent key and car burglaries committed in Widnes and Northwich to call 101.

“Alternatively, you can give us the details online at https://www.cheshire.police.uk/ro/report or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Share

Is there a problem with this page?

Footer navigation

We use cookies on this site to give you a better, more personalised experience.

I'm fine with cookies I'd like to manage the cookies

Cheshire Constabulary

  • Contact us
  • Find a police station
  • About us
  • Careers
  • Campaigns
  • News
  • Privacy notice
  • Cookies
  • Terms and conditions
  • Accessibility

Information and services

  • Advice and information
  • Crime prevention
  • Stats and data
  • Accessing information (FOI)
  • Report
  • Tell us about
  • Apply or register
  • Request
  • Thanks and complaints

Partners

  • Police.uk
  • Ask the Police
  • Police and Crime Commissioner

Follow us on:

© Copyright 2023. All rights reserved.