Callous thieves steal a car in five minutes outside a Hitchin church

Police are hunting cold-hearted charlatans who took a car from outside a place of worship.

Yesterday, Monday (October 9) between 122pm and 127pm, an offender or offenders stole a Hyundai outside Holy Saviour Church, Radcliffe Road, Hitchin.

The keys were left in the boot of the car whilst the injured party was loading the vehicle.

If you or your neighbours have any information relating to this crime, or if you have captured any relevant footage on your CCTV or doorbell camera, please contact the police non-emergency number 101, quoting crime number 41/80761/23. 

Please be vigilant and report any suspicious activity in the area.

Seven tips to prevent vehicle crime:

Ensure you lock doors and shut windows when leaving your vehicle unattended.

Always remove keys, even if you're just stopping to buy fuel.

Never leave valuables in your vehicle, even carrier bags – not even in the glove box or boot.

Be aware of your keys. Don't leave them unattended, or in pockets in changing rooms, or visible through your windows or front door.

If you have a vicinity key, keep it in a signal blocking pouch away from the front of your house.

Store car ownership documents at home, not in your car.

Secure number plates with anti-theft screws.