Operation Rat Trap

A few months ago, The police contacted www.boomtownrats.co.uk about using The Boomtown Rats song Rat Trap for a campaign video aimed at criminals.

The scheme is called "Operation Rat Trap: Time to get tough with car rats"

Police are looking for the public's help to beat this crime - firstly by remembering the rat trap rules and secondly by ratting on a rat.

Detective inspector Mark Gee said: "For the public it's all about very simple rules:

"Don't leave anything in your car.

"Let's not make it easy for the car thief who may be passing."
"If you believe you are seeing a crime in progress dial 999.

"If a member of the public rings us to say they suspect somebody, I would suggest about 60 per cent of the time we arrest somebody.

"We have a really good hit rate and the more people that ring us the more chance we have of catching them.

"Don't be afraid to give us a ring."

DI Gee added "many people often leave lots of things in their vehicles.

"We have all got vehicles and we are all a bit blase and use them as an extension of our houses.

"If you are subject to a burglary and you have to go back into the house, it can affect you personally.

"This is similar - cars are an extension of our lives and it does have an effect on you."

Herts police are asking the public to follow the rat trap rules and display a car sticker.

They are also keen for businesses to come on board by displaying large Operation Rat Trap signs which will be followed up with police patrols.

For your car sticker or to find out how your business can get involved, email nicola.hall@herts.pnn.police.uk