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I wanted to provide an update regarding the theft of motor vehicles, which members around this area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the Met Engage priority survey. There has been a slight rise in vehicle crime in the SE25 area. Below is some simple advice to help protect your vehicles and property.
- Secure Keyless Vehicles: Use a Faraday bag or signal-blocking pouch to store keys to prevent relay theft.
- Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft: Park in a garage or a well-lit area. Consider marking converters with forensic liquids (e.g., SmartWater) or installing protective cages.
- Secure Belongings: Do not leave any valuables visible inside the car. Even small items can prompt a break-in.
- Physical Deterrents: Use steering wheel locks to deter thieves.
- Protect Registration Plates: Use tamper-resistant screws on number plates to stop thieves from stealing them to hide a vehicle's identity.
Local Contacts & Reporting
Report Suspicious Activity: Report to the Metropolitan Police online or call 101.
Emergency: Always call 999 if a crime is in progress.
Contact Your Team: Contact the South Norwood Safer Neighbourhoods Team for local advice at SouthNorwood@contact.metengage.co.uk.
 We know that people can be concerned about the personal and financial impact of having their vehicle stolen, which is why we will pursue and arrest those who break the law. Please consider taking the following steps to keep your vehicle safe: 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 its 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. Park your vehicle in a private garage if you can. If you don’t 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. | 
