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🚗 Vehicle Crime Prevention Advice 🚗 I would like to remind you to: 🔒 Secure Your Vehicle
Always lock your vehicle, even when parked at home or for short periods.
Check doors and windows are fully closed, including the boot and sunroof.
Remove keys from the vehicle and never leave it running unattended.
Consider steering wheel locks, pedal locks, or immobilisers, which can deter thieves. 🔑 Protect Your Vehicle Keys
Keep keys away from front doors, windows, or letterboxes.
Store vehicle keys in a signal-blocking (Faraday) pouch to prevent relay theft.
Keep spare keys hidden securely, not visible or easily accessible. 🅿️ Parking Safely
Park in a well-lit area, ideally within view of your home or CCTV.
If you have a driveway, consider:
• Parking another vehicle behind the main car (where safe and practical)
• Installing gates or a driveway post
• Turning wheels towards the kerb when parked on the road. 📹 Use Technology Where Possible
Make use of CCTV, doorbell cameras, or motion lighting.
If your vehicle has a tracking system, ensure it is active and up to date.
Activate vehicle security features such as alarms and auto-locking. 👀 Be Alert to Suspicious Behaviour Please report:
• People trying car door handles
• Vehicles driving slowly with occupants looking into parked cars
• Unfamiliar persons loitering near vehicles, especially late at night
• Anyone attempting to block driveway exits or tamper with vehicles 📞 Report Concerns Promptly
🚨 Emergencies or crimes in progress: Call 999
📱 Suspicious activity or non-urgent concerns: Call 101 or report online
If you have CCTV or dashcam footage, retain it and mention this when reporting. 🤝 Look Out for Each Other
Speak with neighbours and consider setting up or joining a Neighbourhood Watch.
Alert vulnerable neighbours, including older residents, to current risks.
Share information responsibly through trusted community channels. 🏠 Home Security Measures Residents should consider:
• Ensuring all doors and windows are locked, even when at home.
• Using double-locking mechanisms where fitted.
• Installing or maintaining security lighting.
• Using alarm systems and ensuring they are activated when leaving the property.
• Keeping valuable items out of sight from windows.
• Marking property with forensic marking products or recording serial numbers.
• Trimming hedges and fences to improve visibility around entry points.
• Using timer switches on lights when away from home. 📱 Social Media and Personal Information
• Avoid advertising holidays or prolonged absences online.
• Be cautious about sharing information regarding expensive purchases.
• Check privacy settings on social media accounts. 👀 What to Look Out For Residents should report:
• Unknown individuals peering into windows or gardens.
• People trying door handles or accessing rear gardens without permission.
• Vehicles repeatedly driving slowly around residential streets.
• Individuals taking photographs of properties without an obvious reason.
• Unexpected callers claiming to be tradespeople or utility workers who cannot provide identification.
• Suspicious sales approaches or attempts to gain entry to a property. 📝 What Information Helps Police? Encourage residents to note:
• Descriptions of individuals (clothing, height, build, distinguishing features).
• Vehicle registrations, make, model and colour.
• Exact location.
• Time and date of the incident.
• Direction of travel. 📸 Photographs or video footage can be useful if obtained safely. 🚔 Together, we can help keep our community safe. If you see something suspicious, please report it. 💙 Kind regards, The Neighbourhood Policing Team on the Isle of Sheppey (Formerly known as the Community Safety Unit) | 
