Car crime hot spots named and shamed

In August the Community Safety Partnership took drastic measures to try and turn the tide of car crime in 3 break-in hotspots.

The car parks at Kilhey Court, Standish, the Bay Horse Hotel, Ashton, and the Greyhound Hotel, Leigh have long been hotspots for theft from motor vehicles. Despite efforts by the Partnership to encourage the hotels to improve their security more than 140 vehicles were broken in to and had their property stolen in just two years.

Wendy O’Neil, crime reduction advisor for Wigan and Leigh said:

“Most crimes committed are opportunistic and preventable. By making changes to the car park the risk of customers becoming victims can be reduced significantly”.

Advice given to the hotels included improved CCTV and lighting, removing large shrubbery, and putting up signs reminding customers not to leave valuables in their cars.

A large portable electronic sign was placed outside the Grayhound on Wednesday 1 August bearing the message: "Motorists Warned – The Greyhound Hoted is a car crime hotspot”.

The three hotels are now beginning to engage with the Partnership, but real progress has not yet been made. Councillor Cunliffe, Community Safety champion, said:

“We have a need to protect the public from car crime and this initiative aims to not only name and shame those car parks who do not consider the safety of their customers but is also a reminder to motorists to be aware of the risks. We will be using this initiative in other car parks where the owners do not try to reduce risk to the public”.

Any premises looking to improve their security can get advice by calling Wendy O’Neil on 0161 856 7320 from Monday to Thursday 7am – 5pm.