by ISABEL COE
Hertfordshire police have launched Operation Stopwatch to crack down on the growing tide of car crimes.
It is a little known fact that the maximum sentences for stealing a car and stealing from a car are the same ,, seven years in prison.
The Hertfordshire police service, which covers Potters Bar, hopes that making would-be criminals aware of the strict punishments for these crimes will act as a deterrent.
Hertfordshire has the highest car ownership per head and in May this year 303 cars were stolen and 884 broken into or damaged, accounting for 30 per cent of the county's overall crime.
Through the newly launched Operation Stopwatch, police are now taking DNA samples from people in custody for vehicle related crime.
'So far we have had 16 positive hits as a result of DNA sampling in relation to auto crime,' said Detective Superintendent Andy Murphy, chairman of Operation Stopwatch.
'This shows just how much of a boost this type of crime fighting will be in the country,' he added.
Police are advising all car owners never to leave any valuables in their car and to always park in a well-lit, busy area.
icoe@london.newsquest.co.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article