Shoppers will get more than they bargain for when they visit supermarkets across south and central Bedfordshire next week.
In addition to picking up their shopping, they will also be able to pick up crime prevention advice from Bedfordshire Police and have number plates fitted with free tamper-proof screws.
The initiative is all part of the force’s new Number’s Up Campaign, which is aimed at driving down theft from vehicles and theft of number plates.
Police will use Bluetooth technology to send messages about the service to shoppers’ mobile telephones as they arrive at stores.
In addition the events will be highlighted via the force’s free Ringmaster service. It sends information to subscribers about special events and crime trends using technology such as email and text.
Motorists will be able to get their number plates protected at Sainsbury’s car park, Bell’s Brook, Biggleswade, between 10am and 2pm on Monday, July 4.
Another session is being held between 9.30am and 11.30am the same day at Tesco in Conniston Road, Flitwick and between noon and 1pm at Ampthill’s Waitrose car park.
Houghton Regis motorists should go to the Netto car park between 2pm and 4pm on Wednesday July 6 and Leighton drivers will find the service at Tesco in Vimy Road between 9am and noon and Morrisons in Lake Street between 2pm and 5pm.
Your Number’s Up campaign comes in response to figures that show there were more than 660 thefts from motor vehicles across central and south Bedfordshire between January and May.
They included nearly 150 “smash and grab” offences where thieves broke into vehicles to steal valuables like sat navs and lap-tops and nearly 90 where registration plates were taken.
They are often used to hide the true identity of vehicles used in crime, such as stealing fuel from filling stations where registration plates are routinely filmed.
DCI Greg Horsford, who is leading the initiative said: “This campaign is all about encouraging motorists to protect their vehicles and warning offenders that their ‘number’s up’.
“We will be running overt and covert operations during this initiative, meaning anyone involved in vehicle crime can expect us to come knocking at their door.
Anyone with information about vehicle crime can leave a message on the dedicated ‘Your Number’s Up’ hotline on 01582 473241. Alternatively telephone the main switchboard on 01234 841212, text to 07768 20011 or contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
