Local Priorities Theft Of Motor Vehicles Message

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.

For your kind information, there was an attempted theft from motor vehicle recently in HOOK & CHESSINGTON NORTH area. One of the residents has recently noticed on their cameras that at around 3AM in the morning, there was a male described as ASIAN male looking and walking around with a big rucksack and a torch trying door handles in particular cars with wing mirrors open (indicating they're unlocked) and expensive cars (targeted RANGE ROVERS on the street in particular). This male has been seen twice, once in the company of another male (unable to provide description but also on a push bike), and second time on his own. This suspicious MALE is described to be well groomed, a nice clean shave, slim male, wearing NIKE tracksuit and he is always on a push bicycle (leaves it at the top or bottom of the road and walks down to cars) - described as Women's bicycle with reflective lights on the wheels. Informant states that the male was not in a rush or in a panic to be out of the area, appeared to be taking his time and camera's on houses were not a deterrent to him. No items have been reported lost or stolen / damage to cars but shows that individual is trying his luck. SNT officers will be conducting further covert / uniform patrols around there and also surrounding areas.

Please stay vigilant and kindly have a look into the link of some useful crime prevention advice given below:
https://www.securedbydesign.com/guidance/crime-prevention-advice/vehicle-crime/car-security

If you see anything suspicious then please report crime by calling 101 or in an emergency call 999.

Remember, you can also report crime online on our website: https://www.met.police.uk/

Wish to stay anonymous? Report via crimestoppers-uk.org or 0800 555 111

Dates of our upcoming contact points are given below:
THURSDAY 21/08/2025 16:00PM – 17:00PM HOOK LIBRARY
SATURDAY 30/08/2025 10:00AM – 11:00AM HOOK LIBRARY
SATURDAY 06/09/2025 11:00AM – 12:00PM HOOK LIBRARY
SATURDAY 13/09/2025 15:00PM – 16:00PM HOOK LIBRARY
FRIDAY 19/09/2025 10:00AM – 11:00AM HOOK LIBRARY
FRIDAY 26/09/2025 16:30PM – 17:30PM HOOK LIBRARY

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, and we want to make sure you have had the chance to have your say. The consultation paper is available online, as well as a survey to let us know what you think. This closes on the 15 September.