I’m sure that is the reasoning behind this policy
Police taking valuables from unlocked cars to drive home anti-theft message
While forces across the country have been sending warning letters to the owners of cars when they see possessions unattended, this is believed to be the first time that goods have been “stolen” to drive the crime-prevention message home.
When officers remove goods, they leave a note in the car telling the owner that they can retrieve their possessions from Twickenham police station.
The initiative has been launched in an area where theft from cars has been rife.
“We have had a bit problem with thefts from cars, so we decided to be a bit more innovative,” said Superintendent Jim Davis, the officer behind the initiative.
It’s funny…I went through twelve years of English instruction from the state approved facilities and I’ve never heard the word “Innovative” used to mean “Because we know the populace is disarmed, we feel comfortable rummaging through an unlocked car until we find something someone might steal, so as to teach the owner of the car a lesson for their own good.”
I lock my stuff up tight out of habit from the old neighborhoods, not because of necessity. But even if I didn’t, a car prowler would find himself either face-down on the concrete or well ventilated in my driveway if I caught them looking through my car, day or night. And a badge don’t mean shit. I got one as a gift a few years back that looks damn realistic when you’re holding it, let alone from 10-15-20 or more feet away.
My stuff is mine, and I like to keep it that way. If I’m stupid enough to leave it open for any schmoe to paw, I’ve elected to be the one who feels the consequences of losing it.
Found via Uncle
My questions:
If this is a legitimate crime-prevention tactic, is it being recorded on video like it should be, with two uniformed officers present?
Or is it being done by plain-clothes cops, who are then “trusted” to turn in everything that they find in the unlocked autos?
What if they took a cell phone, and the owner got back to his car, and was then assaulted by some yob and couldn’t call for help?
As a retired police officer who worked extensively in local crime prevention efforts, I cannot see using this tactic.
What would be wrong with putting the note in the car, then locking it up, leaving it’s contents intact? I presume locked cars are OK, and the rozzers aren’t actually BREAKING INTO cars.
I’m no lawyer, but that seems to me to be an illegal search and seizure. What probable cause do they have to search your car? What probable cause do they have to seize it. Where is the warrant?
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
It’s not that hard.
While I may not be a lawyer, I am an idiot. The article is from the UK. No 4th Amendment. Sorry.