Warwickshire News Mine

It’s part of an initiative by Warwickshire County Council, Stratford District Council and Warwickshire Police’s Safer Neighbourhoods Teams to improve community safety.

Five hundred tokens, which can be used instead of £1 coins to borrow supermarket trolleys and secure gym lockers, have been produced to remind people to be aware of their own personal safety and to keep their valuables safe.

The tokens, which have been funded by Stratford District Council through the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership, are embossed with the messages “Have I removed my Sat Nav and valuables?” on one side and “Did I fit my steering lock?” on the other.

Warwickshire County Council and Stratford Town Safer Neighbourhood team will be distributing the tokens in and around Stratford over the next few weeks.

The Morrisons store in Alcester Road is one location where these can be used and Police Community Support Officers will be in the supermarket car park from Monday 10th March handing out these tokens.

Police Sergeant Barrie Archer from Stratford Town Safer Neighbourhood team, said: “We hope the tokens will be a simple reminder to people when they go shopping or to the gym to secure their car and remove or hide their valuables from view.

"Satellite navigation systems are particularly tempting to car thieves, so it is unwise to leave one out on view in your car, but it is easy to forget to remove it.”

Katie Western, Community Safety Projects Officer at Warwickshire County Council, said: “The tokens are very practical, as you can keep them on your car keys and don’t need to search around for a £1 coin when you’re outside the supermarket or even in the gym.

"This has the added benefit that people aren’t standing around with their purses and wallets in full view, which could be tempting to potential thieves.”
The initiative has been launched to try and help keep car crime low in Stratford and improve individuals’ personal safety in the town.

Sergeant Archer concluded: “People can help prevent themselves from becoming a victim of crime by taking a few simple steps, such as not leaving valuables on show and just being aware of their own personal safety.

"Together we are determined to further reduce crime and keep crime levels down in Stratford district.”

Link to WCC