Hooded men spotted as burglars target expensive cars

North Devon: Recently, there have been reports of hooded men lurking around homes in Barnstaple. It seems they’re on the prowl for expensive cars. This all went down early on Thursday morning, January 16, in areas like Roundswell and Newport.

At around 2:25 AM, someone broke into a house on Chichester Road. They grabbed a couple of nappy bags and dumped them in an alley. Then, just after 2:50 AM, a man was spotted in a garden on Coppice Gate.

Things got a bit busier between 4 AM and 5 AM when three men were seen hanging around driveways in Cedar Grove and Becklake Close. There was even another incident reported on Higher Westlake. It’s clear these hooded figures are making their rounds.

The Devon and Cornwall Police think these guys are after high-end cars like BMWs, Audis, and VWs. They’ve been going door-to-door asking questions but are also urging anyone with info to call 101 and mention reference number 50250011910.

To help keep everyone safe, the police shared some tips. They recommend locking your cars and setting the alarms. A steering wheel lock can add extra security, too. And don’t leave any valuables in your vehicle.

Good lighting can deter thieves, so make sure your car is visible. Also, double-check that all doors and windows at home are secure. If you don’t have an alarm, consider getting one, as homes without alarms are more likely to be targeted.

Store your car keys away from doors and windows, ideally in a locked drawer. A faraday pouch is a great way to keep your keys safe at home.

Keep an eye on your neighborhood and report anything suspicious to the police or Crimestoppers. If you see any strange vehicles, jot down their registration numbers. And if you have doorbell footage of anything odd, share it with the police. Let’s look out for each other and keep our communities safe!