Witness appeal following theft of a motor vehicle - Woughton on the Green

Witness appeal following theft of a motor vehicle - Woughton on the Green

Hello Resident,

We are appealing for witnesses following a report of theft of a motor vehicle in (Woughton on the Green).

The incident occurred between (13:30-15:20hrs ) on (Sunday 22nd February) at (Milton Keynes Tennis Courts, near Rogers Croft, Woughton on the Green, Milton Keynes).

The aggrieved in this report has visited the Tennis Courts to play a game, after parking their vehicle in the car park area they have gone into the Tennis Courts. When they have returned their vehicle has been stolen along with items inside.

At this stage we have no further lines of enquires, CCTV at the location has been checked with no results, “We would like to speak to anyone who has information, CCTV or dash cam footage within the area at this time to please come forward.

"If you have any information around this incident, please contact the Thames Valley Police enquiry centre on 101 quoting reference (43260089234) or online.

“If you do not want to talk to the police, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111.”

🚗 Vehicle Theft Prevention Tips

Help keep your vehicle — and what’s inside it — safe.

Vehicle crime is often opportunistic. Thieves look for the quickest win: an unlocked door, valuables on show, or keys left within reach. Small habits make a big difference.

🔐 1. Secure Your Vehicle Every Time

Always lock doors and close windows, even if you’re only stepping away briefly.

Listen for beeps or look for indicator flashes to confirm locking.

Don’t rely solely on automatic locking — double-check manually.

👜 2. Remove All Valuables From Sight

Thieves scan for:

Phones, laptops, tablets

Bags and purses

Tools and work equipment

Sat-navs, dashcams, or their suction marks

Even an empty bag can attract attention — keep the interior completely clear.

🔑 3. Protect Your Keys

Modern car theft often involves keyless entry systems.

Store keyless fobs in a Faraday pouch to block relay signals.

Keep spare keys out of sight and away from doors or windows.

Never leave keys in the ignition while defrosting your car.

📍 4. Park Smart

Choose well-lit, busy areas or secure car parks with CCTV where possible.

Park against a wall or another vehicle to restrict access to boot or side doors.

If you have a driveway, park nose‑in or side‑ways to make it harder to tow away.

🛡️ 5. Use Visible Security Devices

Physical security still works:

Steering wheel lock

Gearstick or handbrake lock

Wheel clamps

Window etching and property marking

These act as strong deterrents — thieves prefer quick, low‑risk targets.

🧰 6. Tools and Work Vehicles

Remove tools from vans overnight whenever possible.

Use aftermarket deadlocks or slam locks.

Mark tools with your postcode or forensic marking kits.

Consider a van-safe box bolted to the interior.

📡 7. Tracking & Alarms

Consider a Thatcham-approved alarm or immobiliser.

GPS trackers greatly increase chances of recovery if the vehicle is stolen.

Even inexpensive Bluetooth tags can help locate property.

🏡 8. Protect the Area Around Your Home

Good-quality motion sensor lighting on driveways.

CCTV or video doorbells overlooking your vehicle.

Keep gates closed to create an extra layer of effort for offenders.

👀 9. Report Suspicious Activity

Encourage residents to report:

People trying car door handles

Individuals loitering around vehicles at night

Unknown vehicles slow-driving or scanning houses for keys

Reporting patterns early helps police allocate patrols effectively.

📱 10. If Your Vehicle Is Stolen

Act quickly:

Call 999 if the theft is in progress or the offender is still nearby.

Otherwise, report online or via 101.

Inform your insurance provider.

Have your registration, make, model, colour, and any distinctive features ready.

Reply to this message

Message Sent By
Paul Colborne
(Police, PCSO, Neighbourhood)