Car break-ins on the rise in Cumbernauld

One motorist to have become a recent victim of this crimewave is Gemma Stokes of Castleway, Kildrum.

Figures obtained from local police show an increase in both vandalism and thefts committed against vehicles compared to last year.

In a six-week period beginning August 1 vandalism increased to 11 from 9 in the same period in the previous year, while thefts have risen sixfold from 2 to 12.

A police spokeswoman said: "The acts of vandalism to vehicles during 2009 all involved the paint work being scratched or tyres being slashed.

"During 2010 acts of vandalism to vehicles mainly involved the window being smashed with a brick or stone.

"This was the method used in eight of the crimes.

"There has been a large increase in such thefts during 2010 and the method used in these was always to smash the window."

Police have urged motorists to ensure that all doors, windows and sunroofs are closed and locked, and to activate any alarm systems.

For more on car security see next week's Cumbernauld News and Kilsyth Chronicle.