Witness appeal following attempt theft of a motor vehicle - Peartree Bridge

Witness appeal following attempt theft of a motor vehicle - Peartree Bridge

Hello Resident,

We are appealing for witnesses following a report of an attempt theft of a motor vehicle in Peartree Bridge.

The incident occurred at around 02.22am on Saturday 7th March on Waterside Peartree Bridge.

Between 02.22am and 0300am on 07/03 two unknown males were seen attempting to steal a motorbike on Waterside, Peartree Bridge. The males removed the ring doorbell and removed the bikes cover, they realised the bike had a security alarm on it and they left, taking the doorbell with them. The two males were between 24-26 years old one male was a slim build, wearing a grey tracksuit, gloves, balaclava, waterproof trousers and Nike shoes. The other male was dressed similarly but was slightly larger. The males also had a flashlight.

"If you have any information around this incident, please contact the Thames Valley Police enquiry centre on 101 quoting reference 43260112884 or online.

“If you do not want to talk to the police, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111.”

🚘 THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE

Protect your car, van or motorbike from being stolen

Vehicle theft is increasingly driven by organised criminal groups and often involves keyless technology, tow‑away tactics, or exploiting insecure parking. Simple, consistent habits significantly reduce the risk.

🔐 1. Always Secure Your Vehicle Properly

Even brief lapses create easy opportunities.

Lock all doors and close windows fully.

Check for indicator flashes or audible beeps confirming the lock.

Don’t rely solely on “walk‑away” locking — manually verify.

Ensure your alarm and immobiliser are activated every time.

🔑 2. Protect Your Keys & Fobs

Most full vehicle thefts now involve some type of key compromise.

Keep keyless fobs in a Faraday pouch to block relay signals.

Store keys well away from doors and windows, not on hooks or visible shelves.

Never leave keys in the ignition, including when defrosting your car.

Recode or replace keys if they are lost or stolen.

🏠 3. Park Safely & Strategically

Where you park is often the biggest risk factor.

Use a locked garage where possible.

On driveways:

Park nose‑in or tightly against a wall to obstruct access.
Install a driveway post or gate for additional security.

Away from home:

Choose Park Mark–approved car parks.
Pick busy, well‑lit areas covered by CCTV.

🔒 4. Use Visible Mechanical Deterrents

Criminals often avoid vehicles with time‑consuming barriers.

Steering‑wheel locks

Gear‑lever or handbrake locks

Wheel clamps

Pedal boxes (highly effective for vans)
These create delay and increase the chance of detection.

🛰️ 5. Improve Electronic Security

Modern thieves rely on technology — you can counter it.

Install a Thatcham-approved tracker. Key asset for recovery.

Update vehicle software regularly to reduce keyless vulnerabilities.

Consider aftermarket alarms, immobilisers or OBD port locks.

🧰 6. Vans & Work Vehicles

Vans are frequently targeted for both the vehicle and its contents.

Use deadlocks, slam locks or upgraded security systems.

Reverse up against walls to block rear-door access.

Fit trackers and internal safe boxes.

Remove tools overnight wherever possible.

🏍️ 7. Motorcycles, Mopeds & Scooters

Two-wheel vehicles remain high-risk.

Lock with two different types of high‑quality locks.

Secure to a fixed object — ground anchor, railing or lamppost.

Use a cover to reduce visibility and deter opportunists.

Fit a disc lock alarm or tracker.

👮 8. Police & National Initiatives

Operation Tutelage & Operation Venice (national): Target vehicle-enabled crime, track uninsured or high-risk vehicles, and dismantle organised theft networks.

Local operations: High-visibility patrols, ANPR deployments, and intelligence-led targeting of key offenders.
These initiatives reduce crime by identifying patterns and focusing resources where they are most effective.

🧠 9. Understand How Vehicle Thieves Operate

Awareness helps you stay ahead.

Relay attacks on keyless cars remain a major method.

Criminals use cloned plates, hacked devices or tow trucks to steal cars quickly.

High‑value models are often stolen to order, shipped abroad or stripped for parts.

Many thefts occur overnight or in poorly lit areas with predictable parking.

✔️ Summary: Top 10 Tips to Prevent Vehicle Theft

Always lock and secure your vehicle.

Protect keys and fobs using Faraday pouches.

Park in secure, well-lit or enclosed areas.

Use steering‑wheel and other mechanical locks.

Install trackers and improved alarm systems.

Update vehicle software to reduce keyless risks.

Secure driveways with gates, posts or CCTV.

Keep motorbikes and scooters locked to fixed objects.

Avoid routine parking patterns that offenders can monitor.

Report suspicious behaviour immediately using 999 (in progress) or 101/online

Reply to this message

Message Sent By
Ethan Webb
(Police, PCSO, Campbell Park South and Woughton)