Vehicle crime

Dear residents, 

Having items stolen from your vehicle can be an upsetting experience, whether these are personal items from within your vehicle or vehicle items such as number plates or spare wheels. 

As a previous message from the team stated there has been some recent theft from motor vehicles in the Wimbledon Park area. These are predominantly of thefts of number plates from vehicles, no specific vehicle types seem to being targeted. Unfortunately more reports have been received since we messaged last. The vehicles targeted so far, that have been reported include Mercedes Benz, Mini Coopers and Fords.  Please make sure you are securing your vehicles and also please check that your number plates are securely screwed on and not just stuck on.

Please follow the below advice to help protect your belongings and vehicle: -

Vehicle Identification: You can use security anti-theft screws to secure your number plates to your vehicle, making them more difficult for thieves to steal and use on another vehicle. Some number plates are only stuck on which are easily removable.

 

Lock it: Always lock your car, even if you are only leaving it for a moment. Thieves will often target unlocked vehicles, they will usually try the handles of vehicles until they get lucky and find one that has been left unlocked.  Make sure all windows and the sunroof are closed as well.

 

​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. Make sure if you have a spare keyless entry vehicle key you are so keeping this key in a ‘Faraday’ bag too. 

 

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

 

​Parking: Try to 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, clothing and even loose change. Thieves will look for any items on display.

 

If you ever have a crime occur such as theft from motor vehicle, please report this. This can be done via our online reporting tool - https://www.met.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/   or you can call 101 the non-emergency number, if the suspect(s) are however still in the location please call 999. 

If you  have any information or CCTV regarding a recent incident please also contact the police this can be  done via speaking 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.

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Kind regards

Wimbledon Park Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT)