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I wanted to provide an update regarding the theft of motor vehicles, which members around this area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the Met Engage priority survey. Theft of and from Motor Vehicles Affects Everyone - Protect Your Vehicle, Your Belongings, and Your Community
🚘 WHAT DOES VEHICLE THEFT LOOK LIKE?
There are two main types of vehicle crime:
1️⃣ THEFT OF A MOTOR VEHICLE
This means the entire vehicle is stolen, often using methods such as:
-Keyless technology exploitation
- Key theft from homes
- Breaking into vehicles with weak security
- Targeting older models with fewer protections
Losing a vehicle can disrupt:
- Work and daily travel
- School runs or appointments
- Personal responsibilities
- Finances and insurance premiums
A stolen vehicle can also be used in further crimes.
2️⃣ THEFT FROM A MOTOR VEHICLE
This involves stealing items from inside or attached to the vehicle, such as:
- Bags, tools, laptops, phones
- Sat-navs and dashcams
- Catalytic converters
- Loose or visible valuables
These crimes are often quick and opportunistic - even a few seconds is enough.
Even if nothing is stolen, the cost of repairing broken locks or smashed windows adds stress and expense.
💥 HOW THESE CRIMES AFFECT COMMUNITIES
Vehicle theft is not just an individual problem. It impacts everyone:
- Higher insurance costs for local residents
- Increased fear and reduced confidence in the area
- Business disruption, especially for tradespeople
- Strain on police and local services
- Lower community morale when crime becomes common
A single street with repeated vehicle thefts can change how safe people feel - day and night.
🔐 HOW TO REDUCE THE RISK - SIMPLE STEPS THAT WORK
🚪 LOCK IT. HIDE IT. REMOVE IT.
- Always lock doors and close windows
- Never leave valuables on show
- Remove tools, bags, and expensive equipment overnight
A visible item is an easy target.
💡 MAKE YOUR VEHICLE HARDER TO STEAL
- Use steering wheel locks and wheel clamps
- Fit an alarm or immobiliser
- Park in well-lit, busy areas
- Install CCTV or a smart doorbell if parking at home
- Keep keys away from doors and letterboxes
- Use RFID/key signal‑blocking pouches for keyless entry cars
The harder the target, the less appealing it is.
🔧 PROTECT YOUR VAN OR WORK VEHICLE
Tradespeople are often targeted.
Protect your tools by:
- Emptying vans at night
- Installing lockable tool safes
- Parking with doors close to walls
- Using van deadlocks and upgraded security
Your tools are your livelihood - keep them secure.
👀 HELP KEEP YOUR STREET SAFE
A vigilant community is a safer community.
You can help by:
- Watching out for suspicious behaviour
- Sharing information with neighbours
- Reporting attempted break-ins or damaged vehicles
- Supporting neighbourhood watch initiatives
- Encouraging lighting and CCTV improvements
Working together keeps streets safer for everyone.
🚨 REPORT ANY CONCERNS QUICKLY
999 - Crime in progress or immediate danger
101 - Suspicious behaviour or non‑urgent reports
Local council - Issues in car parks or public spaces
Housing association - Concerns on estates
Early reporting prevents repeat offences and alerts the whole community.
**🚗 YOUR VEHICLE. YOUR SAFETY. YOUR COMMUNITY.
Stay Alert • Take Action • Protect What Matters**
 We know that people can be concerned about the personal and financial impact of having their vehicle stolen, which is why we will pursue and arrest those who break the law. Please consider taking the following steps to keep your vehicle safe: 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 its 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. Park your vehicle in a private garage if you can. If you don’t 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. We are working on our brand-new strategy for how we police London and we want your help. Our New Met for London: Phase 2 strategy will guide how we deliver on behalf of Londoners over the next three years. | 
