Vehicle Break‑In Prevention – Advice from Kent Police

🚗 Vehicle Break‑In Prevention – Advice from Kent Police

Between Thursday 12th March and Friday 13th March, there were six reported car break‑ins in the Seal and Seal Hollow Road areas. To help residents reduce the risk of further incidents, the following advice is taken directly from Kent Police’s official vehicle‑crime prevention guidance. This includes steps motorists can take to secure their vehicles, protect property, and deter opportunistic thieves. Car break‑ins are often opportunistic, but there are several simple steps you can take to significantly reduce the risk.

🔒 1. Always Lock Your Vehicle

Even if you are only stepping away for a moment, make sure the vehicle is fully locked.
Criminals often check door handles and look for indicators such as wing mirrors that haven’t folded in on cars that normally do so when locked. [kent.police.uk], [kent.police.uk]

🪟 2. Close All Windows and Sunroofs

Open windows make it easy for thieves to “fish” items out using hands or tools, or even unlock doors from the inside. [kent.police.uk]

🎒 3. Remove or Hide All Valuables

Never leave wallets, handbags, phones, laptops, sunglasses, medication, or spare change on display.
Even leaving a sat nav mount or charging cable visible can prompt a break‑in, as offenders may assume a device is hidden inside. [kent.police.uk]

📍 4. Park Smart

Whenever possible, park in:

• Well‑lit and busy areas
• Car parks with the Police‑approved “Park Mark” accreditation

Vehicles left in dark or quiet areas are more vulnerable to break‑ins and damage. [kent.police.uk]

🔧 5. Use Visible Security Measures

Thieves are far less likely to target a vehicle with visible deterrents such as:

• Steering‑wheel locks
• Gear‑stick or handbrake locks
• Locking wheel nuts
• Tamper‑proof number‑plate screws [kent.police.uk]

📦 6. Secure Items on the Outside of Your Vehicle

Items on roof racks, tool boxes, or external storage units should be locked securely. Consider removing them entirely when not in use. [kent.police.uk]

🗝️ 7. Keep Your Keys Safe – Especially Keyless Entry

Keyless vehicles are vulnerable to “relay attacks,” where thieves amplify your key’s signal from inside your home.
Kent Police advise:

• Keep keys away from doors/windows
• Use a Faraday (signal‑blocking) pouch
• Turn off wireless signals on the fob if possible
• Reprogram keys when buying second‑hand [kent.police.uk]

🧰 8. Protect Tools in Vans

Vans are commonly targeted for tool theft.
Where possible:

• Remove tools overnight
• Use reinforced tool safes
• Park backing up to walls to block rear access
  [kent.police.uk]

👀 9. Leave No Clues

Remove:

• Suction‑cup marks
• Device holders
• Charging cables
  These small signs can suggest valuable electronics may be hidden inside. [kent.police.uk]

📝 10. Report Incidents Immediately

Many vehicle crimes go unreported, but early reporting helps:

• Identify patterns
• Target patrols
• Increase crime‑prevention activity in affected areas
  [kent.police.uk]

You can report online via Kent Police.

Local Beat Team Officer's will be at the Bat & Ball Community Centre on Thursday 26th March at 10:00 AM for approximately 45 minutes to provide crime‑prevention advice and answer any questions from the local community.

Many thanks,

PC COSTIN