More than one car every week is being stolen from Aberdeen’s West End, according to shocking new police figures.
Between September 1 and 30, six vehicles were driven away by criminals, while a further six cars had items stolen from them in Ferryhill, Mannofield and the West End of the city.
Police Scotland’s West End community team compiled the figures for the four-week period.
Of the six thefts from unlocked cars, four of the crimes were committed in Ferryhill, one in Mannofield and one in the West End, while three cars were stolen in Ferryhill and three in the latter area.
Other reported crimes included four housebreakings, five incidents of drug possession and 14 cases of vandalism.
The latest car crime figures came just a week after Detective Chief Inspector Matt Mackay warned of “career criminals” being suspected as the perpetrators of a string of north-east raids.
Cars have been taken as far away as Braemar and Huntly in recent weeks with sports shops also robbed.
The police report read: “There were thefts from unlocked motor cars. There were also six vehicles stolen. Of these, four were motor scooters and the other two were unsecured motor cars with the keys left within.
“We have managed to detect the offenders for some of these, and we continue to circulate our security messages on social media to try and get owners to do their part in making their property hard to steal”.
Inspector Ian McKinnon, of the West End team, said: “The simplest way to deter thieves is to make sure you lock your cars and houses.
“It sounds basic, but we find that this doesn’t always happen, and it’s natural that any thief would choose the path of least resistance or chance of being caught.
“Many vehicles lock remotely, so it’s good practice to wait around to hear the click or even better, try the handle, before leaving your car.”
Hazlehead, Queens Cross and Ashley councillor Martin Greig argued that such crimes were frequently committed by “hardened gangs of criminals”.
He said: “Unfortunately, opportunistic thieves have been known to steal car keys from places such as hall tables.
“We have to do what we can to make life as difficult as possible for criminals. Everyone shares responsibility for fighting crimes such as theft.”
