Vehicle Crime

Hi everyone, 👋

We’re seeing opportunities for vehicle theft and theft from vehicles, especially where people park in cheap or free parking areas and leave items inside their cars. Most offences take just seconds — and offenders usually look for what’s easy to grab.

A quick 2‑second pause before walking away from your vehicle can prevent a crime.

🚗 Simple Steps to Prevent Vehicle Crime

🔑 1. Don’t Leave Anything Valuable in Your Vehicle

Even “small” items are attractive to thieves. Please remove:

· Jewellery

· Wallets and purses

· Cash and coins

· Phones, tablets, laptops

· Bank cards

· Bags and rucksacks

· Tools and work equipment

· Shopping bags or packaging

· Sat-navs and chargers

If it’s visible, it’s vulnerable.
If it looks like it might be valuable, it’s a target.

🅿️ 2. Parking Areas: Cheap or Free Often Means Higher Risk

Offenders look for easy opportunities. Vehicles in:

· Free car parks

· Quiet side streets

· Unlit or isolated areas

· Retail Park overflow parking

…are more likely to be checked for valuables.
If possible, choose well-lit, busy areas and park where passing footfall is high.

🔒 3. Quick Checks Before You Leave

Take a 2‑second pause:

· Are all valuables removed?

· Is nothing left visible on seats or the dashboard?

· Are the windows closed, and the vehicle locked?

· Did you hear/see the locks activate?

That tiny pause can save you a lot of stress.

👀 4. Make Your Car a Hard Target

· Lock doors even when refuelling or loading.

· Use factory alarms, immobilisers or steering locks.

· Mark tools and equipment with your postcode.

· Keep keys out of sight at home — far from doors and windows.

· Consider a faraday pouch for keyless entry fobs.

📞 5. Reporting

If you see suspicious behaviour around parked vehicles, please tell us:

· 999 – A crime in progress or someone trying door handles

· 101 – Non‑emergency information

· Online – Report vehicle crime on the Met Police website

· Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 – Anonymous reports

Your information could help prevent further offences.