Merseyside Police officers have arrested five males on suspicion of theft and other offences after a crackdown on vehicle crime this week in Crosby.

At around 2am today (Thursday, 16 February) officers were called to a report of males trying car doors in Alexandra Road before being seen to walk off towards Vermont Road. Two men were detained nearby and it was found that insecure vehicles had been subject to searches, although nothing was stolen.

A 21-year-old man from Bootle and a 21-year-old man of no fixed abode were arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle. Both have been taken to a police station for questioning.

In a separate incident at around 1am on Tuesday, 14 February, officers carrying out patrols in the Spinney Crescent area stopped three males acting suspiciously in the area. Cannabis and a screwdriver was found and the males were detained.

A 20-year-old of no fixed abode was arrested on suspicion possession of cannabis, handling stolen goods and going equipped for theft. He has been recalled to prison for breach of licence and further enquiries will be carried out into the theft matters. A 16-year-old boy and a 17-year-old boy, both from Seaforth, were both arrested on suspicion of going equipped for theft and theft. They have been released pending further enquiries.

Local Policing Sergeant John Coote said: "These arrests follow ongoing proactive work targeting such offences in Crosby but they should also serve as a reminder to residents to keep any vehicles secure at all times and to keep any valuables out of sight.

"Our patrols will continue but residents can carry out their own checks to make their vehicles as secure as possible. Most vehicle crime is preventable. It can take as little as 10 seconds for a thief to steal your car or something from your car."

Tips for vehicle owners

Never leave valuable items in your car, including sunglasses, the removable radio cover and your Sat Nav. Do you really need all those things you keep in the glove box?
Never leave your car keys where they can be seen from the front door
Always close the windows and sunroof; lock the doors and activate any security devices when leaving your car unattended
Park with care, particularly at night or if you are leaving the vehicle for a long time. If possible, park in a busy, well-lit area and try to avoid parking your vehicle in quiet side roads where offenders are able to act unobserved
Never leave cash, credit cards, chequebook, mobile phones, vehicle documents or other valuables in the car
Never leave your keys in the car, even for a second - treat them as you would your cash and credit cards
Never leave goods, clothing or even empty carrier bags or containers in the vehicle
Take all your belongings with you, or if you can’t, lock them in the boot
Car owners should also be mindful of leaving their vehicle unattended, with the engine running, when defrosting their windscreens in the mornings during a cold snap. Not only is it an offence to leave their car unattended with the engine running on a road, it also voids insurance should it be stolen

Anyone with information on vehicle crime can speak to their local officers, call 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously and for free, on 0800 555 111.