Vehicle Security Awareness Notice

Vehicle Security Awareness Notice

You raised theft from vehicles as a concern, so here’s a quick local update.

Dear KIDBROOKE PARK Residents,

Vehicle Security Awareness Notice:

Residents are reminded to remain vigilant and take simple precautions to reduce the risk of vehicle crime in the area. Opportunist thieves often target vehicles that have been left unlocked, even for a short period of time. The Metropolitan Police advises motorists to always lock their vehicle, close all windows and sunroofs, and double-check that the vehicle has properly secured before leaving it unattended.

Please avoid leaving valuables on display inside your vehicle. Items such as mobile phones, handbags, wallets, tools, sat navs, and charging cables can attract unwanted attention and may lead to vehicles being broken into. Wherever possible, remove valuables from the vehicle entirely or store them out of sight before reaching your destination.

Owners of keyless-entry vehicles should take extra precautions by keeping keys away from doors and windows within the home and considering the use of signal-blocking pouches or other approved security measures. The Metropolitan Police notes that thieves can exploit keyless technology to gain access to vehicles if suitable precautions are not taken.

When parking, choose well-lit and busy locations where possible, and report any suspicious activity to the police. Simple crime prevention measures, such as ensuring vehicles are locked, valuables are removed, and keys are stored securely, can significantly reduce the risk of theft and help keep our community safe.

If you witness suspicious behaviour or have concerns regarding vehicle crime, please report it via 101 or online through the Metropolitan Police website. In an emergency, always call 999.

Having personal items stolen from your vehicle is an upsetting experience, and we are determined to find and arrest those who break the law. 

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 it’s 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. 

Remove all items from view by taking them with you or putting them in the boot out of sight. Thieves will look for any items on display. Things like clothes, documents or an old bag might not seem like valuables, but they could still tempt a thief. Ensure you remove all other clues there might be valuables linked to the car, such as phone chargers or sat-nav mounts. 

Park your vehicle in a private garage if you can. If you do not 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. 

We want your help to shape the future of policing across London. We are seeking your views on our new inclusion strategy to ensure that the Met is a police service that is trusted, representative and more effective at keeping London safe. You can have your say on our Inclusion Strategy consultation which runs until Thursday 26 November.