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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 Motor Vehicle - Be aware that Fiesta vehicle thefts are on the rise. Police are working on all makes and models in a bid to reduce theft of motor vehicles with proactive operations to identify and arrest offenders. Recent operations have been successful in catching criminals in the act and your help is needed with target hardening to prevent theft of motor vehicles, please consider the below crime prevention advice.
Thieves are using new technology to break into vehicles without keys and steal them!
• Use approved security products, such as steering wheel locks, pedal locks or OBD port locks (refer to www.soldsecure.com).
• Consider alarms, immobilisers and tracking devices (refer to manufacturer for advice).
• Check your windows and doors are closed and locked every time you leave your vehicle. Does your vehicle have wing mirrors that fold in when locked..?
• If you have a garage, use it. Consider using public car parks that are part of the police approved ‘Park Mark’ Safer Parking Scheme.
• If your vehicle has keyless entry and start, ensure ALL keys are kept within a security pouch. This will prevent SOME forms of theft devices being used. Check if the pouch is still working every few months.
• Keep your keys in a safe place - remember thieves burgle houses to steal vehicle keys. Don’t leave them near a door or window or in obvious places such as hallways or kitchens.
• If selling your car privately do not allow your keys out of your sight – they may be cloned by thieves and used later to steal your car.
Finally, consider doing more than one of the above. They can each help to reduce the risk of theft and are even more effective when combined.
Basic physical security such as steering wheel locks, pedal boxes etc can prevent theft. Personalised immobilisers can also help but please ensure to use professionals to install so wires are not exposed.
 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. | 
