By RASHAD ROLLE

Tribune Staff Reporter

rrolle@tribunemedia.net

POLICE officials have noticed an rise in reports of vehicle break-ins since the new year, Police Superintendent Stephen Dean said yesterday.

He is cautioning Bahamians to “secure their vehicles and be conscious of their environment.”

The break-ins, he said, have not been concentrated in particular areas and the victims have mainly been women.

Providing tips to drivers for preventing break-ins, he said: “Don’t leave your vehicle running when going into a business establishment. The criminal only needs those few seconds to go there and steal your items.”

He said persons should not leave valuables like handbags, lap-tops and cell phones in “the clear view in car seats”.

“Take note of vehicles on the side of you,” he said, adding that drivers should know their own licence plate number in the event that they need to give such important information to the police when assisting them with their investigations.

“Make sure vehicles are serviced properly and have your car keys in your hand when you arrive to your destination,” he said.

Adding that police officers will have an aggressive approach to crime this year, thanks partly to their saturation patrol initiative, Mr Dean said drivers must do their part “in securing their vehicle and minimising thefts from vehicles”.