|
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. Hello all,
I'm sending this quick message for all the Longlands Met Engage members even if you haven't selected it as a crime concern when you first signed up as I it might be of importance.
During a meeting with Police Sergeants from across the Bexley Borough it was highlighted that there has been a spike (Increase) in car key burglaries. Essentially a burglary that occurs with the sole purpose for the suspects to obtain your car keys, nothing else.
Burglaries have gradually decreased over the past few years and isn't something we see frequently on the Longlands ward. However, unfortunately crime has trends. With this, there's a chance we will see some car key burglaries on the ward but I just want to make sure that everyone is aware. Please can we all do our best to make sure our car keys are secure when the vehicle isn't being used or at the least make sure that they are well hidden. There's been reports of car keys being stolen from tables, window ceils, key hangers or near the front door. Also please don't underestimate your car, I hear a lot of people say "They wont steal my old, cheap car" yet we frequently see cars that are deemed as "Average" being stolen all over Bexley and the Sidcup area.
Lets all make it incredibly hard for any suspects to access our car keys and ensure Longlands doesn't get hit. Myself and the team will do our best to keep an eye on this new spike and keep all of you in the loop.
Have a great rest of your weekend, hope all is well,
PCSO Finn Haughey
 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. 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. | 
