Distraction theft on our Borough - how it works...

The following message is relevant to all residents of Hillingdon - it is important that you highlight it to friends and neighbours.

On 3rd October 2025 a female driver (the victim) was parked up in her car outside her house in Ickenham when another vehicle pulled up in front of her and a female passenger got out.

The female approached the victim, who by this time had opened her door in order to speak to the approaching female, who then engaged the victim in conversation.

The conversation related to a poorly relative of the female, who asked the victim where she could find the nearest hospital.  The victim directed her towards the nearest hospital, upon which the female thanked her profusely and insisted that she give the victim a gift for being so helpful.

The female reached into the victim's car and placed a gold-looking necklace around the victim's neck, thanked her for being so helpful and returned to the vehicle from which she had alighted earlier.  The vehicle then drove off.

It was after that vehicle departed that the victim realised that her own gold necklace was missing, having been removed by the female as part of the "gifting" of the necklace, which was essentially cheap costume jewellery.

Action required please:

This team is likely to be active several times during any one day, and will be operating across Hillingdon and very possibly on adjacent Boroughs and policing areas.

Be very aware of anyone who approaches you closely asking for directions, showing you a map, or any other activity which becomes distracting.  If there is mention of a gift then it is very likely to be criminal activity.  If you feel that the interaction is a clear attempt to commit a criminal act, then if you are able to move away to a busier area then do so - or if you are in a confined space such as a vehicle or alleyway then call for help.  Carrying a personal attack alarm is extremely useful in these situations.

You should then call the police from a safe place (see below), taking note of any associated vehicle if possible, but without putting yourself in personal danger.
 

Reporting 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.

Reporting crime drives policing resourcing levels and deployment priorities across our Borough.  Whether it's someone trying your car door handle in the night or someone acting suspiciously, you can play your part in creating a safer Hillingdon by reporting it.