🚨 Vehicle Crime Alert: Increase in Theft From Motor Vehicles 🚨

Dear All,

We would like to make residents aware of a recent increase in Theft From Motor Vehicle offences across the ward.

🔎 What is happening?

Offenders are targeting vehicles parked on residential roads, often arriving on foot or by bicycle. They are gaining entry by:

❌ Smashing vehicle windows
❌ Forcing doors open
❌ Stealing items left on display inside vehicles

Many of the vehicles targeted have had valuables or personal belongings visible from outside.

🛡️ Protect Your Vehicle and Belongings

🔐 Lock It Every Time

Always check your vehicle is locked and secure, even if you are only leaving it for a short period. Opportunist thieves often walk along roads trying door handles until they find an unlocked vehicle.

🔑 Keep Keys Safe

📡 Keyless Vehicle Owners

If your vehicle uses keyless entry:

✅ Keep keys well away from the vehicle when at home
✅ Disable wireless signals when not in use (if possible)
✅ Use a Faraday pouch or signal-blocking wallet
✅ Test the pouch every few months to ensure it remains effective

🎒 Remove Valuables From View

Take belongings with you or lock them in the boot before you reach your destination.

Items that can attract thieves include:

Even items of little value can tempt offenders to break into your vehicle.

🚗 Park Smart

Where possible:

✅ Use a garage
✅ Park in a well-lit, open location
✅ Use car parks accredited by the Park Mark Safer Parking Scheme

🔩 Protect Your Number Plates

Secure your registration plates using tamper-resistant screws to help prevent theft and misuse.

👀 See Something Suspicious?

If you witness suspicious activity or believe a crime is taking place, please call 999 immediately.

Your vigilance can help us identify offenders and keep our community safe.

Together, we can reduce vehicle crime and protect our neighbourhood.

🚔 Stay alert. Lock it. Hide it. Keep it safe.