Police urge drivers to lock vehicles after thefts

Police are urging people to lock their vehicles after a spate of thefts.

Jersey Police said in 2025 53 vehicles were taken, all of which were unlocked or had keys left inside or nearby. Officers said so far in 2026 10 vehicles have been taken.

The force warned owners that officers might take car keys if they were left inside an unlocked vehicle to "prevent a serious tragedy on the island's roads".

Ch Insp Craig Jackson, from response and community policing, said officers were "carrying out targeted patrols in high‑risk areas, using covert and plain‑clothes tactics where required, contacting owners of insecure vehicles and, when necessary, removing keys so those cars can't be stolen".

"Operation Handle is about stopping preventable crime before someone gets killed. The aim is to prevent harm, not wait for it," he said.

"Our biggest risk is complacency. Every insecure vehicle is an opportunity and the next stolen car could be the one involved in a fatal collision.

"We don't want that on our roads, and we know the public doesn't either."

He said there had been an increase in young people stealing vehicles that were "insecure" around the island.

"The frustrating part of this crime, it is completely preventable," he said.

"When you park your vehicle, take your keys with you and you lock your car and also take any valuables from the car."

He added on Wednesday night 19 vehicles had been found by police in targeted hot spot as unlocked, and three had keys inside.

Follow BBC Jersey on X and Facebook. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk.