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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. Theft from motor vehicles is one of the most common opportunistic crimes. It often takes less than a minute for a thief to break into a car and steal valuables. By understanding how criminals operate and taking proactive steps, vehicle owners can significantly reduce their risk.
1. Secure Your Vehicle
The simplest deterrent is physical security. Many thefts occur because doors are left unlocked, or windows are slightly cracked.
- Lock Every Door: Always lock your doors, even if you are just stepping away for a moment or the car is parked in your driveway.
- Check Windows and Sunroofs: Ensure all glass is fully rolled up. A small gap can be used as leverage to force a window down or open a door.
- Park Strategically: At night, park in well-lit areas or near security cameras. Thieves prefer the cover of darkness.
2. Remove All Valuables
If a thief sees something of value, the car becomes a target. If they see nothing, they are likely to move on to the next vehicle.
- Take it With You: Never leave phones, wallets, or laptops in the car.
- Hide the Evidence: Do not leave charging cables, GPS suction cup marks on the windshield, or loose change in plain sight, as these suggest electronic devices may be hidden nearby.
- Store Items Before You Arrive: If you must leave items in the trunk, place them there before reaching your destination. Thieves often watch parking lots to see who is hiding valuables in the trunk.
3. Invest in Anti-Theft Technology
Visible security measures act as powerful psychological deterrents.
- Alarms and Stickers: Ensure your vehicle has a functioning alarm system. Displaying a security sticker can also discourage attempts.
- Steering Wheel Locks: These are highly visible and make it much harder for a thief to move the vehicle or quickly access the interior.
- Dash Cams: Many modern dash cams have a "parking mode" that records movement or impact, which can help identify suspects after an incident.
4. Report Suspicious Activity
Crime prevention is a community effort. If you see individuals loitering in parking lots, looking into car windows, or testing door handles, report it to local authorities or security immediately. Keeping a record of serial numbers for high-value electronics can also assist police in recovering stolen property.
By following the "Clean, Lock, and Protect" principle - cleaning out valuables, locking doors, and protecting the vehicle with security tools - you can make your car an unattractive target for criminals.
 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. | 
