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I wanted to provide an update regarding theft from motor vehicles, which members around this area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the Met Engage priority survey. The Havering Safer Neighbourhoods Team and South East Area BCU have been working collaboratively with partners in the trade industry to offer tradespeople across the borough free tool marking kits worth £50, enabling them to forensically mark their property.
Met Officers ran an engagement stall outside the B&Q store on Roneo Corner, Hornchurch, accompanied by several partners, including SelectaDNA, On The Tools, Fix Radio, CT1 and Rhino Trade Insurance.
The event - which builds on recent awareness and operational activity by The Met as part of their clamp down on stolen tools and their illegal sales – saw more than 200 tradesmen and women attend to speak to officers about crime prevention advice, with 100 free tool marking kits handed out.
The kits were funded by Havering Council, who were also in attendance, with demonstrations available on how Selecta DNA works and using it effectively.
Acting Chief Inspector, Charlie Routley, said: “The Met is stepping up its efforts to combat tool theft as part of its continued commitment to reducing crime across London, dedicating more resource to this type of criminality to secure more convictions and increase the chances of reuniting victims with their stolen tools.
“Theft of this kind has a severe impact on the livelihoods and reputation of victims, with their vehicles often damaged, leading to further costs to replace and fix them.
“Forensic marking means we are more likely to be able to return stolen tools to their rightful owners, as well as convict the criminals who steal them, so I’d encourage all tradespeople to purchase a kit, or pick one up at the many Met-run events taking place across London.”
Thank you to Havering Council and Rhino Trade Insurance for funding the kits provided at today’s event and to B&Q, CT1, Fix Radio and Bunker Storge for their support.
Another event is now being planned for later this year, so if you missed us today, keep an eye out for the new date and location.
 Having personal items stolen from your vehicle is an upsetting experience, and we are determined to find and arrest those who break the law. We will keep you updated with what we are doing to tackle this in your area, but in the meantime, please follow the below advice to help protect your belongings. Check that your vehicle is locked and secure every time you leave it. Thieves often look for easy opportunities to steal from vehicles. They will usually try the handles until they get lucky and find one that has been left unlocked. Keep your keys safe, out of view when at home and away from your front door. If you have a keyless entry vehicle, keep the key well away from the vehicle while at home and turn off wireless signals on your fob when it’s not being used. Consider putting the keys in a screened or signal blocking pouch, such as a Faraday Bag and check that it is still working every few months. Remove all items from view by taking them with you or putting them in the boot out of sight. Thieves will look for any items on display. Things like clothes, documents or an old bag might not seem like valuables, but they could still tempt a thief. Ensure you remove all other clues there might be valuables linked to the car, such as phone chargers or sat-nav mounts. Park your vehicle in a private garage if you can. If you do not have access to one, try to park in a well –lit open space. Try to use public car parks that are part of the police approved Park Mark safer parking scheme. Secure your number plates with tamper resistant screws to avoid them being stolen and used by others.
If you ever experience this issue or have information regarding an incident, please report it using our online reporting tools at https://www.met.police.uk/, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101. Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org. Get Involved Please consider getting involved and contribute to the local priority survey, we may be unaware of issues that you would like us to focus on. Take a few minutes to securely and privately register and have your say using the button below, this will mean we can focus on things that matter to you. 
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