Fears over police cuts after spate of vehicle crime in Sydenham

Vehicle windscreens and windows were smashed, interiors were damaged and satellite navigation systems, portable dvd players, a travel kettle and a tachograph recording unit were stolen during the crimes, which took place in the area’s industrial estate.

Jamie Wicks, who is in charge at the Box Factory in Caswell Road, reported thousands of pounds worth of damage and thefts to four lorries on Monday morning.

Officers visited the business on Tuesday afternoon, more than 24 hours later.

Mr Wicks said: “I am uncertain as to the motive of the crime but I think, for me, the story is not the individual response by the police, more that there seems to be a general acceptance amongst the police I have spoken to that we should expect lower levels of service due to recent cuts.

“I was told they are really short staffed because of the Government’s cuts and it is just one of those things

“The knock-on effect to this would seem to be a greater risk to the general public.”

Two Mercedes vehicles, one a Sprinter van and the other an S-Class car, were targeted at the Crystal Car Care Centre in Highdown Road. The offenders smashed windows on both vehicles and ripped wires out of the interior of the car to remove DVD systems.

Vik Bhogal, the owner of the business, said a similar incident had happened at Building Innovation in Berrington Road.

He added: “I didn’t bother reporting the incident here, all they would do is take a statement and that is it.

“This area really needs CCTV cameras.”

Speaking on Tuesday morning, Pc Andy Whiston of Leamington South Safer Neighbourhood Team said there had been several officers on duty during the weekend but there had been a large number of vehicle crimes across the Leamington area and the Box Factory would be among the next places officers would visit.

Pc Whiston added: “There is no rhyme or reason to say why there were so many vehicle crimes over the weekend, it is difficult to say.

“There were staff out on patrol but the crimes weren’t committed while they were around.

“We had a bit of a hard weekend of it really.”

If anybody has any information about any of the crimes call 451111 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

To contact the Leamington South Safer Neighbourhood Team call 684017.