Talking box which spouts to passers-by spurs drop in Wolverhampton car crime
A police operation to curb car crime in Wolverhampton has seen a six-fold reduction in thefts from vehicles - thanks partly to the efforts of an innovative talking box.
Car crime has fallen in the St Peter's and Park areas of the city over the past month after police launched a crackdown in the wake of a spike in incidents recorded in September.
This month only four thefts from motor vehicles have been recorded - compared to 25 in the previous two months.
As part of the operation a solar powered talking box has been installed on a lampost near West Park, which is programmed to automatically spout a warning to passers-by.
The message advises people to ensure their vehicles are locked with no valuables left on show, and warns that pickpockets are operating in the area.
The machine - known as a 'talking board' - uses heat sensors to register when someone walks within range. The majority of thefts were recorded around West Park, with doors forced open and windows smashed to enable thieves to access to cars.
It is thought to be the first time the technology has been used in the city. Sergeant Kevin Whitehouse, of Park Neighbourhood Police, said the unorthodox method had contributed to a 'dramatic' reduction in crime in the area.
He said: "The box was installed at the start of the month as part of our efforts to reduce car crime in the area. The main purpose is educational. We need to get the message out there that if you leave valuables in your car, you immediately become a target for thieves.
"It is very frustrating to see wallets, handbags, satnavs etc left on open display in cars. We would advise motorists to remove these items, or utilise the lockable glove box.
"If a satnav has been used, wipe the sucker mark from the windscreen so the thieves can't see the mark to tempt them to break into that car and search it.
"The use of the box, together with other methods has contributed to a dramatic reduction in offences."
As part of the operation police also leafleted cars parked around West Park, while PCSOs were deployed on bike patrols to visit the registered owners of vehicles that were left unlocked or with valuables left on show.
A number of known offenders were also visited by police. "This is an ongoing campaign that we hope will continue to see a reduction in crime figures in the area," added Sgt Whitehouse.
Last month police numbers were stepped up in nearby Whitmore Reans while the force carried out an operation to stamp out drug dealing in the area.
