Home   Thanet   News   Article

Minster: Arrest after village hit by spate of vehicle break-ins

Police investigating a number of thefts from cars in Minster have arrested a man.

A 22-year-old from Ramsgate is being held in connection with the incident and remains in police custody while inquiries continue.

Motorists in Minster awoke on Wednesday morning to find that a spate of vehicle break-ins had taken place in the village overnight.

Cars in several roads in Minster were targeted
Cars in several roads in Minster were targeted

Cars parked in Tothill Street, Hill House Drive and Greenhill Gardens were among dozens targeted in the early hours of the morning.

One resident, who asked not to be named, caught the incident where her car was attacked on CCTV.

The recording, which captures images of two people she believes are the culprits, has been handed to police.

She said: "My car didn't have any windows broken, I don't know how they got into it, but some cash was taken, along with a pair of sunglasses. They had rifled through documents and receipts.

"I know of about 30 people who say their cars were also attacked."

Police have issued an appeal for witnesses.

Spokesman Natalie Hardy said: "Officers are reminding motorists to keep their valuables secure following a number of reported thefts from cars in Minster.

"A total of 13 reports have been received from residents where vehicles have either been broken into, damaged or accessed by thieves and cash has been reported stolen.

"The incidents occurred overnight between Tuesday, May 9, and Wednesday, May 10."

"Even a small amount of loose change is enough to entice opportunistic thieves" -Police Sergeant James Ross

Police Sergeant James Ross from the Community Safety Unit said: "While we carry out inquiries into these reports we urge residents to be vigilant and make sure their vehicles are secure and no items are left visible.

"Even a small amount of loose change is enough to entice opportunistic thieves so we would urge the public to ensure that valuables are never left on show and to double check that their vehicles have been locked."

Officers would like to hear from anyone who may have witnessed anything that could help them with their inquiries into the thefts.

There are a number of steps motorists can take to reduce their chances of becoming a victim of crime. These include:

Ensuring that all doors and windows are locked.

Not leaving items on display and removing valuable items, including tools, overnight.

Ensuring the vehicle's alarm or immobiliser is switched on, if you have one.

Not leaving keys visible from outside your home.

Wipe satnav suction marks away from your windscreen or dashboard.

Remove the stereo if you can.

Listing valuables such as sat navs on www.immobilise.com. This is a free service that helps officers return stolen items if they have been found or seized.

Security marking items so they can be identified when found or seized.

Anyone with information should call Kent Police on 01843 222289 or Kent Crimestoppers Anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting reference ZY/18699/17.

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More