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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. South Ruislip SNT officers have recently received reports of thefts from parked vans in the area, where power tools have been stolen. Officers are conducting reassurance patrols and engaging with local residents and tradespeople to raise awareness of this crime trend.
Crime Prevention Advice for Van Owners
Remove tools and valuables from your van whenever possible, particularly overnight.
Park in a secure, well-lit location or within a garage if available.
Fit additional security measures such as deadlocks, slam locks, security plates, and alarm systems.
Consider installing a tracking device on both the vehicle and high-value tools.
Mark and register tools using a recognised property-marking scheme to assist with identification and recovery.
Ensure all doors, windows, and loading areas are properly secured before leaving the vehicle unattended.
Avoid leaving toolboxes, bags, or other equipment visible inside the vehicle.
Reporting Suspicious Activity
Residents and vehicle owners are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity around parked vehicles, including persons loitering near vans, attempting door handles, looking into vehicles, or being in possession of tools that could be used to commit offences.
If suspicious activity is observed, please:
Call 999 if a crime is in progress or there is an immediate threat to life or property.
Report non-emergency incidents to police via 101 or through the Metropolitan Police online reporting system.
Provide as much information as possible, including descriptions of persons involved, vehicle registrations, locations, and the direction of travel.
Where safe to do so, retain any CCTV, doorbell camera, or dashcam footage that may assist police enquiries.
South Ruislip SNT will continue to monitor the situation, carry out targeted patrols, and work with the community to reduce vehicle crime in the area.
 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. | 
