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I wanted to provide an update regarding theft from motor vehicles, which members around this area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the Met Engage priority survey. Crime Prevention Advice: Theft from vehicles
1. Always lock your vehicle - Thieves will often try the handles of cars until they find a car that is unlocked
2. Close windows and sunroofs - If your window or sunroof is left open this leaves you vulnerable to fishing. This is when officers use their hands or a bent coat hanger which can be used to unlock the door for the thieves to get into the car.
3. Secure your number plates with tamper-resistant screws - This prevents thieves from being able to use your number plates to commit crimes and racking up fines
4. Secure anything on the outside of the car - roof-racks and holiday top-boxes should be secured using cable locks and padlocks. This prevents theft as well as ensuring that they are secure on the roof and don't fall off causing obstructions on the road.
5. Hide electrics - Leaving a sat-nav or mobile phone in the car will attract thieves. It is also advised to put away the mount the satnav is on as leaving a mount in view gives away to thieves that there may be a sat-nav or smartphone hidden in the car.
6. Tool thefts - If tools are being left in vans overnight, it is advisable to mark them clearly with paint pens and clear lacquer spray or use alternative tool marking methods as this makes the item more difficult to sell on. Additionally consider using a lockable cabinet within your van to store tools as an an additional security measure.
7. Never leave important documents inside the vehicle - if a thief obtains the registration and insurance documents of the vehicle, this can allow them to pretend to be the owner making it easier for them to sell on the stolen vehicle.
 Having personal items stolen from your vehicle is an upsetting experience, and we are determined to find and arrest those who break the law. We will keep you updated with what we are doing to tackle this in your area, but in the meantime, please follow the below advice to help protect your belongings. 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 it’s 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. Remove all items from view by taking them with you or putting them in the boot out of sight. Thieves will look for any items on display. Things like clothes, documents or an old bag might not seem like valuables, but they could still tempt a thief. Ensure you remove all other clues there might be valuables linked to the car, such as phone chargers or sat-nav mounts. Park your vehicle in a private garage if you can. If you do not 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. | 
