Plasmarl is the worst hit area of Swansea for car crime - according to the latest crime statistics recorded by police. It comes as a warning has been issued to car owners over a spate of thefts of cars in Swansea, Neath and Port Talbot.
Keyless vehicle owners have been given particular warning to be on their guard, as South Wales Police has warned that thieves can use software to pick up the signal omitted by keyless entry systems to gain access to vehicles within minutes. We recently featured statistics obtained from the DVLA which revealed the most commonly stolen cars across the country, you can read more about that by clicking here.
Statistics published on the police.uk website have shown exactly where car crime has taken place across the city, with the latest published statistics for February revealing how Plasmarl and Uplands are among the worst affected areas. You can sign up to the latest newsletters featuring news from the Swansea area by visiting here.
READ MORE: The Welsh neighbourhoods where the most crimes are committed
The following is a breakdown of where car crimes have taken place:
Plasmarl : Millbrook Street, Beaufort Road, Essex Terrace, Emlyn Terrace (two incidents), Alfred Road (two incidents), Neath Road
Uplands : Long Oaks Mews, Pinewood Road, Le Breos Avenue, Sketty Road, Pantygwydr Road, Rhyddings Park Road
Brynmill : Chesshyre Street, Walter Road, Caswell Street, Gower College Llwyn y Bryn campus
City centre: Bath Lane, Somerset Place (two incidents), Worcester Place, Padley Road
Clase : Ruggles Terrace, Arwelfa, Ninth Avenue, Caemawr Road (two incidents)
Mount Pleasant : Short Street, Willows Place, Carlton Terrace, Heathfield
Treboeth : Parkhill Road, Gwynfi Street, Cae-Pys Road
Cockett : Lon Towy, Alden Drive, Glasfryn Close
Waurnalwydd : Rosewarne Close, Clas-Y-Bedw
Fforestfach : Denver Road, Carmarthen Road
Mayals : Whitestone Close, Castle View
Penclawdd : Hall Lane, Benson Street
Dunvant : Cae Crwn, Walters Road (two incidents)
Clydach : Clydach Road, Spionkop Road
Port Tennant : Monton Terrace, Bevans Row
Manselton : Approach Road, Verig Street
Brynhyfryd : Lynsdale Road, Cwm Level Road
Bishopston: Northway
West Cross : Ilston Way
Loughor : Corporation Road
Pontarddulais : Gorsaf Y Glowr
Three Crosses : Coed Lan
Newton : Lansdown
Mumbles : Oakland Road
Blaenymaes : Grassholm Gardens
Mynyddbach : Llangyfelach Road
Winch Wen : James Court
Llansamlet : Maes Briallu
Cwmbwrla : Furnace Way
Townhill : Heol-Y-Gors
Hafod: Vivian Street
A statement from the police read: “South Wales Police is reminding residents to be vigilant following recent thefts of cars in the Neath, Port Talbot and Swansea areas. Particularly, those with keyless cars.
“To minimise the risk of falling victim, it is recommended that residents keep all keys out of view – ideally taking keys upstairs when going to bed – and away from windows, doors and cat flaps.
“Thieves can use software to pick up the signal omitted by keyless entry systems to gain access to vehicles within minutes. When not in use you can keep electronic car keys in a security pouch to prevent it being scanned by thieves.
“It is recommended that you talk to your car dealer about further security measures relevant to your model. For example some keyless entry fobs can be turned off when not in use. Vehicle security experts recommend storing your electronic car keys in a metal-lined container to stop thieves picking up the signal."
The police offered the following further crime prevention tips:
• Park vehicles in their garage or on a driveway
• Park in areas that are well lit and avoid areas which are in cover of darkness or obscured from any public view
• Never leave any personal items on show inside the vehicle
• Don’t leave evidence of valuables i.e. windscreens marks caused by sat navs
• Always ensure unattended vehicles are locked
• Be vigilant and report suspicious behaviour
Anyone with concerns can contact South Wales Police by calling 101 or by using 999 in an emergency.