VEHICLE ROBBERY - DOVECOT

AVCIS, the Association of Chief Police Officers Vehicle Crime Intelligent Service, is warning private car sellers to be wary of prospective buyers, after a recent spate of car thefts during test drives.

“Private sellers are being duped by thieves who suggest that the car has a problem, such as a knocking sound or open car boot, which requires the seller to check the outside of the vehicle. The victim pulls over and leaves the car to check the problem and the thief drives off with the vehicle. In one instance the victim sustained injuries through being run over as the thief drove the car away. There is an increasing occurrence of car theft in this manner and these recent distraction thefts highlight the need for private sellers to put their security first and only leave the vehicle if the keys are in their possession. Our advice is to never leave the purchaser alone in the vehicle. Bringing along a friend or relative will also help to deter a prospective thief, as the vehicle is always be occupied.” warns Head of AVCIS, Detective Chief Inspector Mark Hooper.

Most motor policies exclude theft by deception, and a car being driven off by a thief during a test drive could be classified within this. Requesting a copy of the prospective purchasers’ insurance and driver’s license is advocated, as the purchaser must be legally entitled to test drive the vehicle. Third party insurance cover will ensure that the seller is covered in the event of an accident when driven by the prospective purchaser.

The forthcoming Car Crime Awareness Week from 17 May to 23 May 2010, organised by AVCIS, aims to draw attention to the need for vigilance by motorists to avoid becoming the victim of crime and drive down crime rates. Distraction theft is just one of many areas which will be highlighted during this new annual initiative.

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WITNESS APPEAL - ROBBERY, MOUNT PLEASANT, LIVERPOOL

MERSEYSIDE Police Detectives are appealing for witnesses to a robbery in Liverpool city centre on Wednesday, 28 April 2010.

The victim - an 18 year old student - was walking home along Mount Pleasant towards Rodney Street at around 10pm when she was approached by a man from behind, who assaulted her before stealing her handbag.

The man then ran off down Mount Pleasant in the direction of the Adelphi Hotel leaving the victim extremely shocked and suffering from minor cuts and bruises. She is now recovering at home with her family.   The offender is described as white, around 20 years old, and of stocky build. He was wearing a blue hooded top with the hood pulled up.

Detective Sergeant Sarah Kenwright from St Anne Street Robbery Team, said:- "This was an incredibly distressing ordeal for this young woman who was simply walking home to her flat on the edge of the city centre. The offender has attacked her from behind and ripped her handbag out of her grasp, which contained money and several personal items. Mount Pleasant is a busy road in the city and even though it had gone dark by 10pm, I'm sure there would have been other people around. I would appeal for anyone who witnessed the incident or saw a man matching this description running away, to call the police. Their information could be crucial in helping us catch this man."

Call the robbery team on:- 0151 777 4809 or Crimestoppers anonymously on:- 0800 555 111.

NEXT OF KIN APPEAL - GEOFFREY WILSON

LIVERPOOL Coroners Office are appealing for the next of kin of a 79 year old man who died on Saturday, 17 April 2010.  Geoffrey Wilson died following an accidental fall. An inquest is to be opened into his death.  The Coroner's Office has been unable to trace Mr Wilson's next of kin and is appealing for any relatives to come forward.  Any next of kin, or anyone who has information about Mr Wilson's next of kin, is asked to contact the office of H M Coroner on:- 0151 233 4703.