Keeping Our Neighbourhood Safe – Important Advice on Preventing Vehicle Interference & Number Plate Theft

Dear Residents,

We hope you are well. We are reaching out with an important reminder about steps you can take to help prevent vehicle interference and number plate theft in our neighbourhood. These offences often happen quickly and quietly, but a few simple precautions can significantly reduce the risk.

To support you in keeping your vehicle and property secure, please take a moment to read the guidance below.

Why These Crimes Happen

Opportunistic thieves often target vehicles that appear easy to access or that have visible property inside. Number plates are frequently stolen to disguise other vehicles involved in further crime, fuel theft, or traffic offences. Preventing theft helps protect both you and the wider community.

What You Can Do to Reduce the Risk

1. Secure Your Vehicle

Always lock all doors and check those windows, sunroofs, and the boot are fully closed—even if stepping away briefly.

Listen for or look for visual confirmation that your vehicle has locked, especially with keyless entry systems.

2. Remove Anything That Looks Valuable

Even small items can attract thieves:

Bags, jackets, loose change, sunglasses, and electronics should be removed or hidden.

Remove sat navs and wipe away suction marks from the windscreen.

Don’t leave documents such as your V5C, insurance, or mail inside the vehicle.

3. Protect Your Number Plates

Consider fitting anti‑theft or tamper‑proof screws, which make number plates more difficult to remove.

Regularly check your plates to ensure they have not been loosened or tampered with.

If your plates are stolen, report it immediately this prevents misuse in further offences.

4. Park Smartly

Whenever possible, park in a well‑lit, busy location where your vehicle is easily visible to others.

On driveways, consider parking close to walls, gates, or hedges to make access to plates more difficult.

If you have a garage, use it and keep it locked.

5. Make Use of Home Security

Ensure any CCTV or video doorbells are working and positioned to capture your driveway or parking area.

Motion‑activated lighting can discourage offenders from approaching your property.

6. Stay Aware and Report Suspicious Behaviour

If you notice someone looking into vehicles, trying door handles, or behaving unusually, please report it.

Use 999 if a crime is in progress or someone is in immediate danger.

Use 101 or online reporting for suspicious behaviour or non‑urgent crime.

Your reports help us identify patterns and deploy patrols more effectively.

Together, We Can Reduce Local Crime

By taking a few simple steps, we can all play a part in making our neighbourhood safer and less attractive to criminals. Your vigilance and cooperation make a real difference.

If you would like personalised crime prevention advice or have concerns about activity in your area, please feel free to contact us.

Thank you for your continued support in keeping our community safe.

Kind regards,