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I wanted to provide an update regarding theft from motor vehicles, which members around this area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the Met Engage priority survey. MARCH2026
Dear Residents
Welcome to the March edition of the Totteridge & Woodside Ward Newsletter.
March has been a busy month for the team. We have been out on regular patrols across hotspot areas where recent burglaries have taken place, ensured visibility and focused on prevention across the ward.
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We are holding a police surgery today, Saturday 11th April 2026 at South Friern Library, Colney Hatch Lane,N10 from 2pm - 3pm.
Please join us if you are available.
Due to recent theft from motor vehicle crimes on the ward. Kindly find some crime prevention tips below.
To help keep our community safe, please consider the following crime prevention advice:
Burglary Prevention
Keep doors and windows locked, even when you are at home or in the garden.
Use timer switches for lights to make your home appear occupied when you’re out.
Ensure side gates are locked, and garden tools are secured—these can be used to gain entry.
Install a visible alarm system and consider CCTV or video doorbells.
Mark valuables with a property-marking solution and register them on immobilise.com.
Theft from Motor Vehicles
Remove all valuables from your vehicle, including bags, tools, and electronic devices.
Wipe away sat nav marks on windscreens, as they can indicate hidden devices.
Park in well-lit or busy areas whenever possible.
Lock your vehicle and check it’s secure, even if you’re stepping away for a moment.
Theft of Motor Vehicles
Use steering locks or wheel clamps—visible deterrents are highly effective.
Install a tracker, especially for high risk vehicles.
Keep car keys away from doors and windows to reduce the risk of relay thefts.
Use a signal-blocking pouch (Faraday bag) for keyless-entry fobs.
Park in a garage or driveway when possible, and angle wheels towards a kerb to hinder towing.
How to get in touch
You can contact me via Met Engage if you want to walk and talk with us
If you feel there is anything you wish to talk to us about please get in touch.
Many thanks,
Remember in cases of emergency you should always ring 999. Non- emergency calls ring 101. There is also the www.met.police.uk website for assistance should we not be available
| Drop-in Surgery | |  | | When & Where is it? | | Sat 11 Apr 2026 14:00 | South Friern Library, Colney Hatch Lane
London
N10 1HD
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 Having personal items stolen from your vehicle is an upsetting experience, and we are determined to find and arrest those who break the law. We will keep you updated with what we are doing to tackle this in your area, but in the meantime, please follow the below advice to help protect your belongings. 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 it’s 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. Remove all items from view by taking them with you or putting them in the boot out of sight. Thieves will look for any items on display. Things like clothes, documents or an old bag might not seem like valuables, but they could still tempt a thief. Ensure you remove all other clues there might be valuables linked to the car, such as phone chargers or sat-nav mounts. Park your vehicle in a private garage if you can. If you do not 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. | 
