Car thieves HATE these simple TRICKS!!

                                                          Car theft gang jailed following Met Police investigation 

Four members of an organised crime group have been jailed for a total of 18 years following a Met Police investigation into dozens of car thefts in London.

Further enquiries resulted in 27 of the stolen cars being recovered. It is believed some cars may have been shipped overseas, while others were sold on with cloned number plates. A number of the cars were “stolen to order” with customers requesting specific makes and models. The total value of the stolen vehicles is thought to have been between £1.1 and £1.7 million.

The Met is focused on tackling vehicle crime – including car theft – and our activity has driven a significant reduction in offences this year. Theft has a significant impact on victims and across the Met we are focused on tackling it. 

Through targeted patrols and operations like this MET have reduced vehicle offences by 18 per cent.

Detectives trawled through CCTV and used forensic evidence to link the men to more than 70 offences over seven months. This group has stolen dozens of cars and would have caused misery to the lives of many Londoners. By identifying and arresting these prolific offenders MET prevented more people from becoming victims. An investigation was launched when detectives linked 73 car thefts and one van theft across London. The group largely targeted Hyundai, Kia, Mitsubishi, and Toyota vehicles. They used an electronic device known as a “key emulator” which can open a vehicle and start its engine without a physical key. They also broke into several homes to steal the keys before taking the vehicles. Officers reviewed CCTV, forensic evidence and other intelligence to identify the suspect. The officers followed the men as they used a stolen car on false plates to drive around looking for more vehicles. They witnessed the group steal a car from a residential street before driving back towards east London. Three of the men were stopped and arrested. Officers discovered a key reprogramming device inside the car. The 4th suspect was arrested a week later after he was seen trying to get into a stolen Toyota Prius on false plates in his possession. A further key emulator was recovered during his arrest.

Across the Met vehicle offences are down 18 per cent since the start of 2025.

                                                                                           Prevention Tips

​                                                                To protect your vehicle, consider these measures:

​Lock it: Always lock your car, even if you are only leaving it for a moment. Thieves will often target unlocked vehicles. Make sure all windows and the sunroof are closed.

​Key Fob Security: If you have a keyless entry car, a Faraday bag or pouch is highly recommended. These block the signal from your key fob, preventing "relay theft." Store your key fob away from doors and windows in your home.

​Physical Deterrents: Visible security devices like a steering wheel lock or a driveway post can deter opportunistic thieves.

​Parking: Park in a well-lit area with high foot traffic. If possible, use a secure car park with CCTV.

​Valuables: Do not leave any valuables on display in your car. This includes bags, electronics, and even loose change. Consider opening or removing your parcel shelf to show that there is nothing in the boot.

​Vehicle Identification: You can use security screws to secure your number plates, making them more difficult for thieves to steal and use on another vehicle. 

                                            "Remember, the smartest defence is a layered one"