Local Priorities Theft From Motor Vehicle Update

Local Priorities Theft From Motor Vehicle Update

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.

We are aware of a number of recent thefts involving sensors being removed from newer model Volkswagen and Mercedes vehicles. These vehicles appear to be being specifically targeted, and reports suggest this type of theft has increased in recent weeks.
We would encourage owners to remain vigilant and, where possible, park in well-lit areas, secure garages, or locations covered by CCTV. If you notice anyone acting suspiciously around vehicles, please report it to police.
Please take a moment to review your vehicle security arrangements and ensure any suspicious activity is reported promptly. Working together, we can help reduce opportunities for offenders and protect our communities from vehicle crime.

If your vehicle is fitted with advanced driving assistance systems or front-mounted sensors, it may be worth checking them regularly for signs of tampering or damage.

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.

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