POLICE officers were investigating a number of car crimes yesterday, that ran into their dozens. With 15 incidents taking place overnight on Wednesday in the Callington, Saltash and Torpoint areas, a further seven reports had been received from Looe, Polperro and St Keyne on Thursday morning. Police from Liskeard were investigating three reports from St Keyne, and Looe police had received reports of four incidents in the Looe and Polperro area, where windows had been smashed and stereos had been removed. During the last week, Downderry has been targeted, with six incidents of theft from cars taking place in the last week. Mobile phones and CD players were taken from cars parked all over the village, including Main Road and West Camps Bay. Particularly badly hit is Torpoint reporting 20 incidents, with the streets just off the town centre being targeted in the last few weeks. In the more extreme cases the cars have been driven away, abandoned, and set alight, posing a risk to public safety. Torpoint Police have made arrests in relation to these incidents, but with on going inquires, police are hopeful they will be able to make further arrests. PC Williams said: 'We are asking members of the public to be extra vigilant, ensuring all items are hidden away or removed, including stereo faces. 'In Torpoint we have increased the police presence on the streets, and a poster campaign by Devon and Cornwall Police aims to highlight the problem to members of the public. 'We need the help of the local community to solve and hopefully stop these crimes. 'It is important individuals notify police immediately if they see anything suspicious or unusual, even if it's a new car or person in the area. If someone does have any information, contact the confidential Crimestoppers number on 0800 555111.' Callington Officer Sgt John Frazer, said: 'We believe these crimes were carried out by travelling criminals from the Plymouth area, but we need to know exactly who they are. 'If anyone has information or saw anything suspicious we would like them to contact us. We do live in a relatively low crime area, but when we are targeted by travelling criminals like this our crime figures go up, but more importantly, the quality of life of local people is affected.' Police are advising that you check that all your doors are locked, and valuables such as mobile phones and CD players are removed, or safely hidden out of sight. Taking steps such as security marking your stereo, and making a record of your car's serial numbers, will make it much harder for thieves to sell on stolen goods. Ensure that where you park your car is secure, and if you have an alarm use it. Keep your eyes open, and if you have any concerns contact the police.
