St Austell Police Warns of Increase in Car Break-In Attempts, Urges Public Vigilance

St Austell Police have issued a warning to residents about a recent spate of opportunistic car break-ins in the area. Over the past 2-3 weeks, there has been an observed increase in individuals attempting to open car door handles at night.

Authorities are alerting the public to the risk posed by these offenders, who are targeting insecure vehicles. The police are encouraging everyone to ensure their vehicles and properties are securely locked to prevent potential theft offences.

Amidst speculation on social media regarding attempts to gain entry into homes, the St Austell Police want to clarify the situation for transparency. Since January 2nd, 2024, there have been five incidents reported to the police related to this issue. Three of these incidents involved attempts to open car doors without gaining access, while in two cases, vehicles were left insecure, and property was stolen from within.

The police are actively investigating these reports and are pursuing a suspect who has been identified. However, they have received no reports of attempts to gain entry into people’s homes.

St Austell Police also noted that there seem to be incidents occurring that have not been reported. They are urging members of the public who have evidence of such offences to report them to the police, quoting crime number 50240016597. These unreported incidents might provide crucial evidence needed to secure a prosecution.

The police’s appeal highlights the importance of community cooperation in tackling these crimes and ensuring the safety and security of the local area.