|
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. An update from your local Belmont Safer Neighbourhood Team;
This week we have seen 2 car theft incidents on the ward that we would like to make residents aware of;
On the 30th January 2026 at approximately 3:30am a resident on Egmont Road had thieves attempting to steal his Lexus RX car. The thieves managed to gain entry to the vehicle by a method known as CANBUS. This is whereby the thieves remove a headlight or front wing and access the cars wiring, they are then able to open and start the vehicle. In this particular case there was a steering lock fitted which they struggled to remove. During their attempt they pushed the horn alerting the homeowner who then frightened them off. This proves the value of fitting a steering lock which police regularly recommend to drivers.
On the 31st Janauary 2026 the owner of an Alfa Romeo Giulia high performanace car had his vehicle stolen at 04:20am. He realised straight away that it had been taken and immediately informed the police. The vehicle was then tracked by ANPR cameras, enabling officers to locate it in Epsom. A high speed pursuit then ensued all the way back to Sutton at high speed. A Stinger device was deployed to deflate the tyres and 2 car thieves were arrested. The owner will soon be getting his car back.
Can we take this opportunity to remind car owners to use a steering lock whenever the vehicle is left unattended, not just during the evening. This is especially important with high value cars, but also applies to cars such as the Ford Fiesta which have been targeted in the past. It is also a good idea to fit a tracker device, if your car is stolen you have a far better chance of getting it back. Also if your vehicle is the keyless entry type you should keep the keys in a Faraday bag, this blocks the signal to the key. Thieves use a method called RELAY THEFT to steal cars using wireless entry. This function can be turned off, please check the owners manual of your car. Also don't keep the keys in your hallway, this is exactly where thieves expect to find them if they commit a burglary.
Drive safely, your Belmont SNT team.
 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. | 
