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Hello Resident, We are appealing for witnesses following a report of attempt theft from a motor vehicle in Oldbrook. The incident occurred at around 02.15am, on Friday 6th March on the JCT of Underwood Place and the Oval, Oldbrook. In the early hours of Friday morning at around 02:15am an unknown person has been seen on CCTV trying car door handles. The person is believed to be a large build around 1.7m tall. They were wearing a balaclava, gloves, light coloured hoodie and joggers with a dark jacket over the top. The person was seen with a light coloured push bike. "If you have any information around this incident, please contact the Thames Valley Police enquiry centre on 101 quoting reference 43260111928 or online. “If you do not want to talk to the police, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111.” 🚗 Vehicle Crime Prevention Advice How to protect your vehicle and reduce the risk of theft
🔐 1. Always Secure Your Vehicle Many vehicle thefts occur because a car is left unlocked. Always lock your vehicle, even when leaving it for a moment.Double‑check using audible/visual locking cues if fitted.Activate automatic locking systems if your vehicle has them.
🏠 2. Park Safely & Securely Where and how you park greatly affects your risk. Use a garage if you have one and keep it locked.When away from home, choose Park Mark–approved car parks for better security.Avoid dark or isolated parking spots—choose well‑lit, busy areas.
🔑 3. Protect Your Keys Most modern vehicle thefts involve key access. Keep keys and fobs out of sight and away from doors and windows.For keyless entry vehicles, protect against relay theft by using a Faraday pouch and keeping software updated.Never leave keys in the ignition, even briefly.
👁️ 4. Don’t Leave Valuables on Display Thieves often break in for the contents, not the car itself. Remove valuables or lock them out of view. Police highlight this as one of the five golden rules.Even items like bags, coats or chargers can entice criminals.
🛡️ 5. Add Extra Security Measures Visible deterrents significantly reduce risk. Use steering‑wheel locks, gear‑lever locks, or wheel clamps.Install a vehicle tracking device to improve chances of recovery if stolen.Fit one‑way security screws to protect number plates.
📦 6. Reduce Opportunities for Theft From Vehicles Never leave items in plain sight—Police.uk emphasises this as core guidance.Keep glove compartments empty and open to show nothing is stored inside.When loading or unloading delivery vehicles, keep them locked between trips.
🏍️ 7. Protect Motorcycles, Mopeds & Bicycles Two‑wheel vehicles are disproportionately targeted. Use multiple locks and secure the bike to an immovable object.Police.uk lists motorcycle/scooter security as a key risk area with tailored advice.
👮 8. Police & National Initiatives Operation Handle: Officers patrol high‑risk areas, checking insecure cars and giving targeted security advice. This improves awareness and reduces theft‑from‑vehicle offences.National Vehicle Crime Reduction Partnership (NVCRP): A national collaboration between police, manufacturers and government to improve vehicle security, share intelligence and disrupt organised crime gangs.
🧠 9. Understand How Vehicle Thieves Operate Recent national insights show: Vehicle crime is often organised, with thieves targeting high‑value models and keyless systems.Criminals exploit relay devices, insecure parking, and opportunities such as visible valuables.Motorbike theft is rapidly increasing, driven by offenders seeking easy‑to‑steal targets.
✔️ Summary: Top 10 Tips Always lock your vehicle.Keep keys out of sight and use Faraday pouches for keyless vehicles.Park in secure, well‑lit areas or a locked garage.Remove all valuables from display.Use steering‑wheel locks or additional mechanical deterrents.Fit trackers and number‑plate security screws.Keep software and vehicle systems updated to reduce keyless vulnerabilities.Secure motorcycles and cycles using multiple locks.Make use of police initiatives such as Operation Handle.Stay informed through national partnerships like NVCRP. 🚗 Vehicle Theft Prevention Tips Help keep your vehicle — and what’s inside it — safe. Vehicle crime is often opportunistic. Thieves look for the quickest win: an unlocked door, valuables on show, or keys left within reach. Small habits make a big difference.
🔐 1. Secure Your Vehicle Every Time Always lock doors and close windows, even if you’re only stepping away briefly.Listen for beeps or look for indicator flashes to confirm locking.Don’t rely solely on automatic locking — double-check manually.
👜 2. Remove All Valuables From Sight Thieves scan for: Phones, laptops, tabletsBags and pursesTools and work equipmentSat-navs, dashcams, or their suction marksEven an empty bag can attract attention — keep the interior completely clear.
🔑 3. Protect Your Keys Modern car theft often involves keyless entry systems. Store keyless fobs in a Faraday pouch to block relay signals.Keep spare keys out of sight and away from doors or windows.Never leave keys in the ignition while defrosting your car.
📍 4. Park Smart Choose well-lit, busy areas or secure car parks with CCTV where possible.Park against a wall or another vehicle to restrict access to boot or side doors.If you have a driveway, park nose‑in or side‑ways to make it harder to tow away.
🛡️ 5. Use Visible Security Devices Physical security still works: Steering wheel lockGearstick or handbrake lockWheel clampsWindow etching and property markingThese act as strong deterrents — thieves prefer quick, low‑risk targets.
🧰 6. Tools and Work Vehicles Remove tools from vans overnight whenever possible.Use aftermarket deadlocks or slam locks.Mark tools with your postcode or forensic marking kits.Consider a van-safe box bolted to the interior.
📡 7. Tracking & Alarms Consider a Thatcham-approved alarm or immobiliser.GPS trackers greatly increase chances of recovery if the vehicle is stolen.Even inexpensive Bluetooth tags can help locate property.
🏡 8. Protect the Area Around Your Home Good-quality motion sensor lighting on driveways.CCTV or video doorbells overlooking your vehicle.Keep gates closed to create an extra layer of effort for offenders.
👀 9. Report Suspicious Activity Encourage residents to report: People trying car door handlesIndividuals loitering around vehicles at nightUnknown vehicles slow-driving or scanning houses for keysReporting patterns early helps police allocate patrols effectively.
📱 10. If Your Vehicle Is Stolen Act quickly: Call 999 if the theft is in progress or the offender is still nearby.Otherwise, report online or via 101.Inform your insurance provider.Have your registration, make, model, colour, and any distinctive features ready. | 
