Stoke & Wyken end of week update

Dear Residents and Local Businesses, here is your weekly update from your local neighbourhood Policing Team, Stoke and Wyken. 

This week on the Stoke and Wyken team our neighbourhood officers have been conducting our OP GALVENISE patrols in relation to vehicle crime on the north east area of Coventry at our local hotspots. PCSOs have also attended a summer event at the Moat House Primary School for young people to ask questions on what the police do and for them to try out some of the equipment we use.

Crime prevention advice

Vehicle crime prevention  

Securing your vehicle is a top priority for West Midlands Police (WMP) in 2026, especially in areas like Stoke and Wyken.

, where opportunistic theft remains a concern. While overall vehicle crime in the region fell by 16% over the last year, West Midlands Police continues to urge residents to remain vigilant against avoidable thefts from motor vehicles.

Why You Should Never Leave Valuables in Your Car

Thieves are often looking for a "quick win" and will target any item that can be easily sold for cash.

  Irresistible Targets: Items like mobile phones, sunglasses, loose change, and even medication can attract a thief.

  The Cost of Entry: WMP reminds drivers that the cost of replacing a smashed window often far exceeds the value of the items stolen.

  Van Crime: For those in trade, West Midlands Police highlights that vans are prime targets for high-value tool theft, particularly when left overnight. 

Hidden Clues That Attract Thieves

Even if your valuables are out of sight, you may still be leaving clues that they are stored in the car:

  Suction Marks: Marks on the windscreen from sat-nav or phone holders suggest the device might be hidden in the glove box or under the seat.

  Charging Cables: Leaving USB cables on display signal that expensive tech is nearby.

  Wing Mirror Indicators: Thieves in local car parks in and around Coventry, look for unfolded wing mirrors as a sign that a car has been left unlocked.

The "Lock, Take, Hide" Approach

WMP encourages a simple three-step habit to protect your vehicle:

  Lock: Ensure all doors, windows, and the sunroof are closed. Always manually check the handle, as West Midlands Police warns that criminals may use signal jammers to prevent your key fob from working.

  Take: Take all bags, wallets, and mobile devices with you. Never leave registration or insurance documents in the car, as these can help a thief sell your vehicle more easily.

  Hide: If you must leave something behind, hide it in the boot before you arrive at your destination to ensure no one sees where you've put it.

Nature watch

This week we now have a new animal sighting to add to the roster…..

With the recent hot weather, we have had a report of an Adder (Vipera berus) sighting within our local community.

Adders are the UK’s only naturally occurring venomous snake. They are generally shy and will usually try to avoid people.

If you come across an adder:

Most importantly, please don’t panic. Adders are normally reluctant to bite and will generally move away if given the opportunity.

For non-emergency enquiries or to raise community concerns in the Wyken area, residents are encouraged to contact Coventry Police through their usual channels.

Live Chat | West Midlands Police (west-midlands.police.uk) 

Please be aware that this inbox is NOT monitored 24 hours a day and is purely for non-emergencies. In an emergency please call 999. To report a crime in a non-emergency situation please call 101 or visit Report a crime | West Midlands Police to do this online.     

📞 How to Contact Us or Report Information 📞 

Non-Emergency: 101 

Emergency: 999 / 112 (if crime in progress or immediate danger) 

Report Online: West Midlands Police 

Anonymous Reporting: Crimestoppers