Crime Prevention Advice -Theft from and of Motor Vehicle

Crime Prevention Advice -Theft from and of Motor Vehicle

Dear Residents,

Vehicle crime can happen anywhere, but there are simple steps you can take to reduce the risk of becoming a victim.

Preventing Theft from Motor Vehicles

Always lock your vehicle, even if you are only leaving it unattended for a short time. Opportunist thieves often target unlocked vehicles.

Close all windows, sunroofs and vents to prevent thieves reaching inside or "fishing" for property.

Remove all valuables from sight. Items such as mobile phones, bags, wallets, sunglasses and loose change can attract thieves.

Remove sat navs and electronic devices, along with mounts, cables and any visible signs that they may be stored in the vehicle.

If you use a van for work, remove tools whenever possible or ensure they are securely stored and marked.

Park in well-lit, busy areas and, where possible, use accredited Park Mark car parks.

Preventing Theft of Motor Vehicles

Double-check that your vehicle is locked when leaving it. Vehicles with folding mirrors should have mirrors folded in, indicating the vehicle is secured.

Keep keys and spare keys out of sight and away from doors, windows and letterboxes.

If you have a keyless vehicle, store keys in a signal-blocking (Faraday) pouch to reduce the risk of relay theft.

Consider fitting additional security devices such as steering wheel locks, immobilisers, trackers and alarms.

Secure number plates with tamper-resistant screws to help prevent them being stolen and used in crime.

Fit locking wheel nuts to help protect alloy wheels from theft.

Remember: Remove it, hide it, lock it. Taking a few simple precautions can significantly reduce the chances of your vehicle or belongings being targeted by thieves.

🚗 Keeping Vehicles Safe https://www.met.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/keeping-vehicles-safe/ [met.police.uk]

🔒 Prevent Theft From a Vehicle https://www.met.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/keeping-vehicles-safe/vehicle-safe-and-sound/ [met.police.uk]

🚙 Preventing car and vehicle theft: https://www.met.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/keeping-vehicles-safe/preventing-car-vehicle-theft/ [met.police.uk]

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Message Sent By
Sheela Kalkan
(Metropolitan Police, PCSO, St Ann's SNT)