Car thief breaks in for polo mints (From Burnham & Highbridge Weekly News)

Car thief breaks in for polo mints

1:22pm Wednesday 6th September 2006

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A SWEET-TOOTHED crook broke into a Burnham car to steal A PACKET OF POLOS, it has been revealed this week, as police warn motorists to be vigilant after a series of thefts.

The news came as one of the area's top officers called for owners to be on their guard after a week-long spate of crimes that began last Monday (August 28).

"The message to motorists always is don't leave anything in. We used to say valuables, but we now say anything."

Burnham sector inspector sergeant Roger Tolley.

Sector deputy inspector Sergeant Roger Tolley told the Weekly News more than a dozen cars had been targeted - including one that was broken into for just the tube of mints.

"I think it's in the region of over 12, it's vehicles that have been parked overnight. There were a couple in Worston Lane, two more in Church Street, and also Jaycroft Road," he said.

"They are local people doing it, we think. The message to motorists always is don't leave anything in. We used to say valuables, but we now say anything.

"We had someone's vehicle broken into for a tube of Polos - that was in Burnham."

The most recent statistics from the police are from July which show 11 motor vehicles were stolen in the sector.

For the same month 21 cases of theft from motor vehicles were investigated, an increase from last year's 16 for the same period.

And in an effort to help stop the public falling victim to opportunistic criminals, the two towns' police force has been making sure everyone knows how to keep their car safe.

"The PCSOs in have spent a lot of time this summer targeting vulnerable vehicles with things left on their seats. They record the details on those vehicles and we write them a letter giving them advice," Sgt Tolley said.

"We have sent nearly 1,800 since April - that's a lot people who were potential victims of crime.

"If car thieves find there are easy picking they will do it more often."

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