CAR CRIME is not just restricted to private owners as a recent spate of offences at car dealerships has proved.

The past week has seen several incidents in the area - one of which has involved a series of repeat burglaries and one a theft of a customer's car from a forecourt.

And police say that it gives a timely reminder that vehicle related crime can be diverse and persistent.

Now the crime management unit at Altrincham police station has sent a letter to all local car dealers detailing the offences in an attempt to raise awareness and advise them to upgrade their security.

Community safety officer, PC Tony Crompton told SUM: "Vigilance and good rule setting as well as security that can be worked within are the keys to stopping these crooks.

"We also know that a major deterrent for young thieves is 'The 25-Scheme' and we have been informing the dealers about this.

"The scheme has proved successful in our area and can put off the casual - but knowledgeable - car criminal by way of putting two hard to remove stickers on the vehicle indicating that the car should be driven by someone over the age of 25."

By joining the 25-Scheme and displaying stickers in the front and rear of the car - the police are authorised to stop the car if the driver appears to be under 25 and it is worth remembering that 80 per cent of all car crime is committed by people under that age whilst 70 per cent of victims are above the mid twenties.

Tony went on: "We are always trying to push the scheme and for just £1 membership it is well worth it.

"All local dealerships have been visited in person by police and given free information packs so that they can advise potential buyers about the benefits of the scheme - so if you are at a local dealership ask for your free pack."

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