POLICE are to step up a gear to prevent vehicle crime in Kirklees through a new event to help deter thieves.With criminals targeting 4x4s, which are popular in Kirkburton, Denby Dale and the Valleys, Huddersfield CID officers and The Valleys and Kirkburton & Denby Dale NPTs have got together to hold a 4x4 crime prevention day.Insp Dave Barnett of the Denby Dale and Kirkburton NPT, said: “NPT officers are working with partners in CID to tackle this issue and we have stepped up patrols in target hotspots at key times.“Measures such as marking vehicle parts, parking in well lit areas if possible, making sure doors and windows are locked in parked vehicles, and using steering locks can all make a difference.”Insp Mark Trueman, of the Valleys NPT, said security marking, was a good way of combating theft of vehicle parts and would be discussed in detail at the crime prevention event.He said: “4x4s are not only very financially valuable but are often essential to the livelihoods of our area’s farming community, so it is important that we help them protect themselves from criminals."Dc Darren Parkinson, added: “We are being proactive in tackling the issue of 4x4 thefts and active enquiries are ongoing into this issue. I would ask anyone who has information about 4x4 theft to contact West Yorkshire Police on 101." The invitation-only event at Holmfirth Civic Hall this Sunday will see early visitors be given a limited number of free DNA property marking kits to mark their vehicle parts.Tips which drivers can follow to make their 4x4s safer include:Mark parts with UV Pens if possible.Fit mechanical immobilisers, such as a steering guard or a pedal box – look for Thatcham approved products. Make sure you use them every time you leave the vehicle.One step up from mechanical immobilisers is to fit an aftermarket electrical alarm, which draws attention to the vehicle being stolen and an electrical immobiliser. A vehicle already equipped with a factory-fitted alarm or immobiliser can always be upgraded to be more secure.Consider fitting hydraulic locking systems to immobilise your vehicle.The next step is to install a tracking device, which helps recover your vehicle. Thatcham approves a wide range of devices.Keep the doors locked and windows shut, even if the doors can be easily opened. If this is the case, upgrade the locks to a more secure type.If possible, lock your 4x4 in a garage or keep it parked in a well-lit area. If you’re able to, reverse it up to a wall and park another vehicle in front, making any potential thief’s life that much harder.
DENBY DALE: March 1. Attempt made to steal driver’s door of Land Rover Defender by removing external fixed door bolts.
FLOCKTON: Feb 26. Vandals smashed several plastic advertising boards at Flockton Cricket Club off Park View.
LEPTON: March 2. Burglary at garage of house. Two mountain bikes stolen after door lock forced.
SCISSETT: Feb 27. Vandal carved offensive word into vehicle paintwork.
SHEPLEY: Feb 27. Thief stole stone toppings from garden wall. March 4. Dandy Destiny trailer tent stolen from back yard at Wellhouse Leisure Ltd.
UPPER CUMBERWORTH: March 4. Raiders removed padlock from clasp securing garage door to get inside then made way through internal door into house. Car keys taken and used to steal silver Audi A4 reg YH55 XCK from garage.
