Local Priorities Theft Of Parcel Shelves arrest

I wanted to provide an update regarding the theft of motor vehicles,  which members around this area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the Met Engage priority survey.

The Camden Town Centre Team in conjunction with the Camden Town, Regents Park, Somers Town and Kentish Town South SNT's executed a drugs warrant at an address linked to various forms of criminality. During the search we recovered dozens on car parcel shelves, multiple electric car chargers which was curious as no one at the address drives or has a car along with drugs. The occupant was arrested for handling stolen goods and suspicion of possession with intent to supply class A and B drugs. Now the hard work of matching the items to the owners begins. One way of deterring thieves is having your parcel shelves engraved, stamped or marked with the VIN or license plate as it makes them less desirable on the second-hand market.

We know that people can be concerned about the personal and financial impact of having their vehicle stolen, which is why we will pursue and arrest those who break the law. Please consider taking the following steps to keep your vehicle safe:  

• 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 its 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.  

• Park your vehicle in a private garage if you can. If you don’t 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. 

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