Update on Vehicle Security

Two recent vehicle thefts on our Borough show that vehicles continue to be stolen across London, with modern cars (especially keyless models) being particularly vulnerable. 

Factory fit “tracking” devices are also vulnerable, as thieves know in many cases how to disable these quickly. 

Steering locks:

For criminals, speed is of the essence when vehicles are stolen, so we continue to advise residents to take the simple precaution of a one-off cost to purchase a suitable steering lock - many types are available, including police approved items that are Secured By Design: https://www.securedbydesign.com/

Steering locks are available at around £50-£70 that are of robust construction, and it is always useful if they are brightly coloured to provide a visual deterrent.  If your vehicle is parked on a driveway, then a prospective criminal looking at this will also know that you are serious about securing your belongings in general - the image above shows an example of a steering lock in place.

There are now specific home burglar alarm systems on the market where a tag is available to fit to your steering wheel - this is linked to your home alarm “night setting” so that if the sensor detects movement then your house alarm is activated immediately - this is also shown in the above image.  Ask a reputable CCTV installer for details.
 

Tracking Devices:

Several residents have chosen to fit additional tracking devices to their vehicle, these can be professionally-fitted models (again see Secured By Design above for manufacturers), or they can be small tracking devices such as an Apple AirTag, Life260 Tile, Pebblebee or one of many other makes available online (we do not recommend a specific make as there are so many, with a wide price range to match, therefore please make sure that you research functionality/pricing online first).  These are small devices that are ideal for secreting in a car, and can return valuable location information if your vehicle is unfortunately stolen. 

Thank you for your attention in this matter, please work together to try and protect our vehicles and deter thieves from our Borough.
 

Please Report All Crime

The Metropolitan Police and Hillingdon Neighbourhood Watch ask you to please report ALL crime - 999 in an emergency or if the crime is actually in progress, otherwise 101, online or via the POLICE.UK app (Android, Apple) - describe your location accurately, and consider using what3words to describe your exact location - you can install the App on your mobile and this method is recognised by the emergency services.