Suspect vehicle search following Selby District thefts

Selby police are appealing for the public's help to trace a vehicle seen in the area during a spate of thefts from cars.

This follows six reports in recent weeks of parked cars being broken into at isolated rural locations. On each occasion a red Renault Megane car was seen nearby.

The latest theft occurred at Brayton Barff car park on Thursday 11 October 2012 between 9.45am and 11am, when thieves smashed a window and stole a handbag which had been placed in the boot of an Alfa Romeo. The owner had noticed a red Renault Megane in the car park on arrival. When they returned around an hour later the Megane had gone.

Other items stolen previously from vehicles at Brayton Barff and also Brayton Nature Reserve, included personal accessories such as purses and wallets and satellite navigation systems.

PC Dave White, of Selby Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: "I am asking members of the public to keep an eye out for a red Renault Megane acting suspiciously in the Selby area. If they see one they are urged to contact the North Yorkshire Police on 101 as soon as possible.

"A car matching this description which is in the area for innocent purposes can quickly be eliminated from our enquiries.

"The police investigation to trace and locate the vehicle is currently ongoing. Enquiries have shown that the offenders may have links in the Pontefract area of West Yorkshire."

PC White added: "I would like to remind drivers to ensure that they don't leave anything on display in their vehicles when parked. Items such as satellite navigation systems and other valuable possessions should be taken out of the car."

For more crime prevention and vehicle security advice, please visit www.northyorkshire.police.uk/crimeprevention or contact the Selby Safer Neighbourhood Team.

Anyone who can help to identify the car or the person responsible for these thefts, is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2, and ask for Dave White. Alternatively information can be emailed to david.white@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk.

Or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, quoting reference number 12120171249.

3.31pm - 12 October 2012