Theft from Motor Vehicles

Theft from Motor Vehicles

Dear Resident,

Please be advised that between 20:00 hours on 20th January 2026 and 08:00hours on 21st January 2026, there were two reported thefts from motor vehicles in “The Grid” area. These incidents occurred on Normanton Avenue and Stroud Road (SW19).

A further similar offence was reported on Alverstone Avenue between 19th–23rd January. However, this is believed to have taken place during the same overnight period of 20th–21st January 2026, but as of yet can not be confirmed.

In each incident, built-in rear cameras were stolen from parked BMW vehicles.

While on patrol in the area and speaking with residents, officers have become aware that other similar incidents may have occurred but have not yet been reported. If your vehicle has been targeted, please ensure this is reported. This information helps us build a clearer picture of local crime patterns and supports ongoing investigations.

Reports can be made online at:

https://www.met.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/

or by calling the police non-emergency number 101.

Please remain aware of these incidents and be extra vigilant regarding any suspicious activity in your area.

If you have any information or CCTV footage relating to these thefts, or if you would like to speak with your local ward team, please contact the Wimbledon Park Safer Neighbourhood Team by replying to this message or emailing:

WimbledonPark@met.police.uk

Some general Motor vehicle crime prevention advice

VEHICLE THEFT

Secure your vehicle with these crime prevention tips:

Thieves will often try door handles on the off chance that they are unlocked.

Always double check your windows and doors are closed and locked every time you leave your vehicle, even if you’re only gone for a few minutes.

More sophisticated methods are used to gain entry to vehicles with electronic keys:

Thieves can use equipment to scan for your electronic key and create a blank key that they can use to access your vehicle.

When not in use keep your electronic key in a pouch called a faraday pouch. It is lined with metal which prevents the key from being scanned by thieves.

Thieves will often burgle houses to steal vehicle keys. Keep yours safe and avoid obvious storage places such as hallways and kitchens.

If you don’t have one, consider fitting a tracking device to your vehicle to help recover it if stolen.

Where possible try to park on a driveway and well-lit areas:

Consider installing CCTV or a video recording doorbell which records when motion is detected and allows live streaming to your phone whilst you're away.

If you have CCTV of people committing crime, contact your local SNT or call 101.

If you see a crime in progress always call 999 at the time it is happening.

Many thanks

Kind Regards
Wimbledon Park

Reply to this message

Message Sent By
Karen North
(Metropolitan Police, PCSO, Wimbledon Park Ward)