North Devon motorists being warned in latest safety initiative

MOTORISTS who leave valuables on display in parked cars could receive a warning letter in the post as part of a safety initiative being carried out by police and local councils. Torridge and North Devon Councils new Civil Parking Enforcement Officers wil

MOTORISTS who leave valuables on display in parked cars could receive a warning letter in the post as part of a safety initiative being carried out by police and local councils.Torridge and North Devon Councils' new Civil Parking Enforcement Officers will be working with police to step up "Vulnerable Vehicle" patrols in the lead-up to Christmas.Officers will use special forms to make a note of unattended vehicles' registrations and of the valuables on show. The informal cards will then form the basis of a letter to be sent to motorists' homes to warn them of the dangers of leaving items such as handbags and phones on display.Barnstaple Neighbourhood Team Leader PC Earl Napier said that similar practical crime prevention advice given by old-style traffic wardens had already led to a significant reduction in the vehicle crime in Northern Devon and Torridge."The council's enforcement officers are working closely with the police to address parking issues within the communities we live in," he said."Enforcement officers and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) will now carry and utilise the Vulnerable Vehicle forms as an addition to their normal day-to-day roles and responsibilities. "This is an excellent example of partnership working through Government agencies, without the sole focus being on enforcement. "The Christmas shopping rush is now upon us and this is a timely and effective tool to combat vehicle crime over this busy period.