Motorists in Oldham and across Greater Manchester are being urged to take extra precautions following a series of Fiat 500 thefts that have occurred both in Lancashire and in nearby towns. Lancashire Police have issued a warning after a number of the compact cars were stolen using a consistent method, only to be abandoned shortly afterwards.

The incidents have mainly been reported in Skelmersdale, a Lancashire town located just six miles west of the Greater Manchester border. However, police have confirmed that similar thefts have also taken place in Greater Manchester itself, raising concerns that Oldham residents who own Fiat 500s could be at risk.

According to investigators, the thieves are targeting the vehicles by smashing windows to gain entry before breaking the ignition barrel and exposing the wires. Once started, the cars are driven away and then abandoned a short time later. The pattern has been described by officers as “similar” across all reported incidents.

Skelmersdale Police said: “We are making local residents aware of recent incidents involving thefts of Fiat 500s that have occurred in Skelmersdale and over the border in Greater Manchester. The incidents have a similar pattern. The Fiat 500s have been stolen and abandoned. The cars were done in the same way — windows smashed and entry gained with the ignition barrel broken and wires exposed.”

While no specific Greater Manchester towns have been named by police, the close proximity of Skelmersdale to the region means that owners across the Oldham area should not be complacent. Fiat 500s are popular in urban areas due to their size and fuel efficiency, making them an attractive target for thieves using this quick method.

Officers are advising all Fiat 500 owners to take immediate steps to protect their vehicles. The use of steering locks is strongly recommended, as these can act as a visible deterrent and make it far harder for thieves to steer the car away even if they manage to start the engine. Vehicle trackers and tags are also encouraged, as they increase the chances of recovering a stolen car quickly.

Where possible, owners are urged to park their Fiat 500 in a garage or other locked space. If that is not an option, parking in a well-lit area or one covered by CCTV can help deter offenders. Police also stress the importance of making sure all doors and windows are locked before leaving the vehicle, and that no valuable items are left inside where they might attract attention. Car keys should be kept out of sight from windows and doors.

In addition, residents with home CCTV systems or dashcams are encouraged to ensure they are working and positioned to capture any suspicious activity around parked vehicles. Such footage can prove vital in identifying suspects and securing convictions.

“We advise all owners of Fiat 500s in the area to be mindful of these incidents and ensure that their vehicles have the steering lock on,” Skelmersdale Police added. “We also encourage taking extra precautions such as using vehicle trackers or tags, and keeping vehicles secured in a garage or locked space. Ensure that no valuable items are left in vehicles and car keys are hidden away from public view. Double check that all doors and windows are locked. Having dashcam or CCTV footage is also encouraged to deter offenders and help identify offenders.”

For further crime prevention advice regarding vehicle security, residents can visit the Secure By Design website, which offers guidance on a range of measures to reduce the risk of theft. Oldham.News will continue to monitor this situation and provide updates if thefts are reported locally.