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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. We are seeing a recent rise in vehicle thefts/attempted thefts within Belmont ward recently that we would like to make residents aware of. Thieves are targeting Lexus cars using a method called CANBUS whereby they access the vehicles wiring system by removing the nearside headlight or wheel arch lining. They are then able to unlock the vehicle, start it and thus steal it.
It is good practice for all car owners to fit a steering lock, this will act as a good deterrent and make it more difficult steal. Fitting a tracker device will give you a far higher chance of getting your car recovered if it is stolen. Thieves often park the stolen car not too far from where they took it from and then leave it there for a few days to see if the owner or police recover it. Also consider fitting an immobiliser such as a GHOST system. One victim of a recent attempted theft did just that and the thieves were unsuccessful in taking the vehicle.
We have also started to see a rise in catalytic converter thefts within The Royal Marsden Hospital. This involves the thieves jacking up the victims vehicle and then cutting off the part using a cordless angle grinder or saw. They typically take just a few minutes to commit the theft and the first the owner knows about it is when they start the vehicle and notice it is very noisy. If you see anyone behaving suspiciously in the car park or in local streets, please call the police, make a note of the suspects registration number if possible.
Safe driving, regards, your Belmont Safer Neighbourhood Team.
 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. | 
