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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. I know from listening to some of the residents that Vehicle Theft has been an issue and I know in particular there have been Thefts of Porsche vehicles around Cornwall Gardens over the past 16 months, it would seem that it they have been targeted particulary and I would like to share a recent event involving our Uniformed Response colleagues.
On Tuesday 2nd June 2026, at approximately 0340hrs, officers were notified that a brand-new Porsche Macan GTS had just been stolen from Upper Phillimore Gardens, just behind Kensington Town Hall.
Assigned officers immediately contacted the victims tracking company who explained the vehicle was showing stationary only a short distance away. The tracker however was actively being tampered with...
Officers arrived on scene at Wornington Road, W11 only to find the Porsche parked and locked. Due to the short time elapsed, officers stopped a member of the public asking if they had seen anyone near the vehicle. To their surprise, the witness pointed to a male who was walking away down the same road. Officers ran towards the male, who complied once given strong verbal commands. A quick call to Hammersmith and Fulham council CCTV confirmed the suspect detained was captured arriving in the stolen car and walking away from it…
Team D ERPT spotted a suspicious vehicle driving close by on Portobello Road. This vehicle was a Toyota Prius disguised as an uber with a rear seat passenger, however when the vehicle was stopped, and the males spoken to, they stated they were friends, and this wasn’t an Uber fare ("suspicious"). Both males were detained and searched, and upon looking in the boot of the car Christmas appeared to come early!
Inside was a plethora of tools used for stealing vehicles alongside relay equipment, battery boosters, other electronic equipment, another set of false plates for the Prius along with another set of plates for another Porsche Macan GTS.
Caught red handed is an understatement.
After an area search by dogs, further discarded tools were found but one item was still missing- the cloned key.
Upon returning to the scene of the crime, an eagle-eyed early turn unit found the cloned car key discarded down an alleyway. And with that, the last remaining piece of the puzzle was located.
3 suspects arrested, one suspect mission vehicle identified, over 38 exhibits seized, a possible OCG identified, and the Porsche recovered within 10 minutes of being stolen.
If you are a Porsche owener and you have any concerns, please reach out to your local dealer and ask about enhanced security upgrades and please speak to us if you would like any further crime prevention advice.
 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. | 
