Prevention of Theft From Motor Vehicles Advice

🚗🔒 Theft From Motor Vehicles – Let’s Make EAST ACTON Harder to Target

We continue to see thefts from cars and vans across the borough – not just the usual items like cash, wallets, phones and laptops, but also high‑value parts and tools, especially from work vans.
We fully understand that emptying a van overnight isn’t always possible or practical. That’s why using layered protection is so important.

Below is the Met’s best, simple and realistic advice to reduce the risk.

🔐 Core Prevention – The Basics That Make a Big Difference

Lock every time
Even for a few seconds at the petrol station or unloading outside your home. Most thefts are committed by opportunists trying door handles until they find one unlocked.

Double‑check your locking
Electronic fob signals can be blocked by jammers. Listen for the “click” or try the handle before walking away.

Remove valuables and remove the clues
Don’t leave phones, bags, laptops, tools, loose change or anything tempting on display.
Also remove sat‑nav mounts, suction marks and charging cables – they tell thieves that something might be hidden inside.

Never leave your documents inside
V5C logbooks and insurance papers make it easier for criminals to sell on a stolen vehicle.

🛠️ High‑Value Parts & Tools – What Thieves Are Targeting Now

Thieves increasingly focus on:

· Power tools and specialised trade equipment

· Diagnostic kits

· Catalytic converters

· Steering wheels & airbags

· Alloy wheels

· Body panels and exterior trims on certain models

If you use your van for work, we know it may not be realistic to unload every night. The aim isn’t perfection – it’s making your vehicle a harder and slower target than the one next to it.

 Layered Vehicle Security – Extra Steps That Really Work

1. Protect keyless entry vehicles
Keep your fobs in a Faraday pouch or tin to block “relay theft.”
Store keys away from your front door to prevent “fishing.”

2. Use visible deterrents
Thieves avoid vehicles with obvious security:

· Steering wheel locks

· Gear stick locks

· Pedal boxes

· Van tool vaults or internal cages

These make the job long, noisy and high‑risk – exactly what thieves don’t want.

3. Park smart
Choose places that are:

· Well lit

· Overlooked by homes or CCTV

· Busy and hard to access unnoticed
Look out for Park Mark accredited car parks when possible.

4. Harden the outside

· Fit locking wheel nuts

· Use anti‑tamper screws for number plates

· Consider aftermarket covers for catalytic converters

· Use security film on windows to slow smash‑and‑grab attempts

👀 If You See Something Suspicious

Call 999 immediately if you see:

· People trying multiple car door handles

· Anyone acting suspiciously around vehicles

· A crime in progress

Report past incidents via:

· The Met’s Online Reporting Tool

· 101 (non‑emergency)

Every report helps us spot patterns, target patrols, and catch offenders.