Theft of Number Plates

Good Afternoon Resident,

This message is being sent out to a yourself as you are highlighted as living in the specific area that was recently the subject of a spate of number plate thefts. Your local SNT are aware of this problem and are targeting patrols in the area.

If you have any CCTV/RING doorbell footage or any information of a silver car with 3 or 4 males acting suspiciously at around 01:00am - 02:00am on 15/01/2026 please do get in contact via met engage. Please do be vigilant and if you noticed anything suspicious remember to call 999 if it is an emergency or 101 to report a crime. If a crime has not taken place and you have concerns please do raise these concerns with your local SNT via MetEngage or at one of our drop in sessions.

Please do use the link provided to get useful information from Secured By Design on how to keep your property and valuables safe.

Secured by Design - Secured by Design

Don't Leave Valuables on Show

It might sound obvious but leaving items on show is an invitation to the opportunist criminal - mobile phones, mounts, power leads, money, wallets, handbags, sunglasses, coats, jackets and bags should always be removed from the vehicle or hidden well out of sight.

Hide Keys & Fobs

Keys and ignition fobs should be kept safe and out of sight and reach. A common way to steal a car is to take the keys or ignition fob, so never leave them in the vehicle, even if it is unattended for a moment. When at home ensure that your keys or ignition fob are kept well away from windows or doors so that they cannot be seen by a potential thief and never leave them close to the front door where they can be accessed through letterboxes. Put the keys in a signal-blocking pouch, such as a Faraday bag.

Lock Doors & Close Windows!

Always lock and close the windows of your vehicle when you leave it unattended - be this on the drive, the petrol station forecourt, when de-icing your vehicle in the winter or when getting a ticket to park. An unlocked vehicle is the easiest to steal or steal from.

Fit an Alarm

If your vehicle is not fitted with a manufacturers’ fitted alarm and/or immobiliser, consider installing an approved system. 

Install a Tracker

Tracker systems can increase the recovery of your car if it is stolen. Many systems activate once the car is stolen and track the car via GPS and other systems. 

Use Physical Security

Physical security products such as a steering wheel lock or a lock that fits over the gear lever still act as a good deterrent

Secure your Number Plates

Fit theft-resistant number plate fittings. Stolen number plates are commonly used to hide the identity of stolen vehicles. Use one-way clutch head screws to secure number plates

Parking your car at home

Park under streetlights

If you are parking your car on the street overnight, consider parking it under or near a streetlight. The opportunistic criminal does not want to be seen or caught, and this simple step may protect your car, not only from theft but also from someone causing criminal damage to your vehicle.

Consider CCTV

CCTV can be a deterrent and help protect both your car and home. If you do decide to use CCTV it is important to read the Information Commissioners Office (ICO) advice on Domestic CCTV systems.