Theft from Motor Vehicles

Theft from Motor Vehicles

Dear residents,

On 25th March 2026, thieves have accessed a VW Tiguan located on The Mall, Surbiton (St Marks & Seething Wells Ward). The vehicle was parked on the victim’s driveway, and the Haldex unit located at the rear of the vehicle was been stolen.

What is a Haldex unit?

Haldex is a system used by a number of vehicle manufacturers for their AWD (All Wheel Drive systems). It’s a key component that helps send power to the rear wheels of a vehicle when required, giving your vehicle better grip and control – especially in wet or icy conditions.

Why are thieves targeting them?

The Haldex units are a valuable component and can often be quickly and easily removed from vehicles by thieves using simple tools, often without attracting much attention.

How will I know if it’s been stolen?

The vehicle is still driveable following the theft of these units, however the key indicators will be:

Warning lights on dashboard (ABS/ESP/AWD)

4WD loss of power or functionality

Wiring hanging down under the rear of the vehicle

What vehicles are most likely to be equipped with a Haldex Unit?

Volkswagen: Golf R, Tiguan, and T-Roc

Audi: A3 Quattro, TT, and Q3

Volvo: XC40, XC60, and V60 Cross Country

Seat/Cupra: Cupra Formentor and Ateca

Skoda: Kodiaq and Octavia 4×4

How can I prevent my car being targeted?

Thieves will look for an easy target. Anything you can do to draw attention to them or slow them down, will help prevent your vehicle being targeted.

Examples of measures you can take to prevent thefts include:

Changing the units fixings to tamper proof bolts.

Requesting a mechanic installs a bracket or cage over the Haldex unit, using tamper proof bolts to secure

Using a type of forensic marking pen to mark the unit with the VIN for the vehicle, and add an anti theft deterrent sticker to warn thieves that forensic marking has been used

Parking the vehicle strategically to make it more difficult for thieves to access underneath e.g parking within a garage, parking in tight spaces, reversing up against a wall etc

Installing a tilt sensor. This is a device that activates an alarm when the angle of the vehicle changes from it’s normal position. e.g vehicle being jacked up. This adds a further layer of protection in addition to the vehicles factory fitted alarm

Installing a dash cam that offers parking motion detection

Parking the vehicle in a manner that ensures the rear of the vehicle is covered by security lighting and/or CCTV

Cost of replacement

In the event of the unit being stolen, they can cost in excess of £1000 to replace.

STAY ALERT

please report suspicious activity around parked vehicles on 999. Look out for each other by staying vigilant, paying particular attention to people who may be loitering around a vehicle or using jacks/tools under a vehicle.

St Marks & Seething Wells Safer Neighbourhood Team

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Message Sent By
Rebecca Miller
(Metropolitan Police, Dedicated Ward Officer, St Marks and Seething Wells)