Happy to lose top spot

The company produced the 'Autoglass Car Crime Table 2000' after compiling a chart of side glass damage reported by customers during the past twelve months.

And the results show that the main hot-spot for thieves has shifted down the M6 to Birmingham.

The table involves all regions of the country but excludes the area within the M25 in London which accounts for 22 per cent of all Autoglass replacements.

Even so, local police say that it makes interesting reading with regards to reported and non-reported car crime.

Community safety officer at Altrincham, PC Tony Crompton told SUM: "Despite the results referring to regions and areas rather than specific villages or towns, the news is good news in any language.

"Manchester being replaced by Birmingham shows that car crime in our city is falling and this is one of the few areas where this type of offence is down."

The survey coincides with the second Autoglass 'Cracking Car Crime' forum which brings together the police, the home office and various industry bodies involved in the fight against vehicle offences.

And Tony adds that by working together, good results can be achieved in a much shorter space of time.

He went on: "With a multi-agency approach, the problem can be combated from all angles.

"But we cannot afford to rest on our laurels and we must show criminals that they can't get away with their illegal ways."

If you would like to know more about the Autoglass car crime survey you can visit the company website at www.autoglass.co.uk.

List shows safe car parks are local priority

A NEW register has been compiled listing the most secure car parks in the North West of England.

And Greater Manchester is well represented in the publication sponsored by motor giants Vauxhall - the first of its kind in the region.

The directory includes car parks that are open to the public in town centres and other venues and has been praised by local police.

Community safety officer at Altrincham police, PC Tony Crompton told SUM: "The guide lets motorists know the areas that have had their security upgraded to a national standard.

"This can give them that little extra peace of mind when they leave their car unattended."

At present there are five secured car park sites in Trafford - Autostrong in Altrincham, Flypark and the Quality Hotel in Trafford Park, Ringway Airpark in Carrington and all the car parks at the Trafford Centre.

And there are more and more car parks set to follow suit with Trafford Council investing a lot of money on their sites to improve security and achieve 'Secure Car Park' status.

Tony added: "Car parks throughout the borough are being improved all the time and motorists can now feel safer leaving their cars on those with the award.

"Nevertheless, no-one can ever give a 100 per cent guarantee that a vehicle is completely free from attack but the levels of security on these award-winning sites greatly reduces the chances of becoming a victim."

New name but same aim

CARWATCH is changing its format at the end of March - but only in name when it becomes 'Bill Board'.

The success of the 21-month long campaign to crack car crime has led to a drop of 30 per cent in vehicle related incidents throughout the borough.

Now police want that success to spread to other crime in the area and along with Trafford's favourite free newspaper are launching the new campaign.

'Bill Board' will be launched in early April and will continue to cover car crime issues - but will also incorporate specific and general crime prevention advice on home security, retail crime and other issues such as youths causing annoyance, the fear of crime and personal safety.

Anyone with suggestions for articles can write to Community safety officer, PC Tony Crompton at Altrincham police station, Barrington Road or ring him direct on 856-7546.

Alternatively get in touch with David Pye at The Messenger on 908-3381.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.