Theft from motor vehicles

Dear Resident

We’re conducting targeted patrols following an increase in thefts from vehicles across Dacorum – particularly thefts of number plates.

Stolen plates can be used by criminals to commit offences including burglary and other vehicle crime, as well as bilking (theft of petrol) and evading speed camera fines.

While we’re doing everything we can, we can’t be everywhere at once and would ask residents to consider the following advice to help make their vehicles less of a target for opportunist thieves:

 Always ensure that your vehicle is fully locked and secured when leaving it unattended - even if it's just for a few minutes.

 Never leave valuable items such as bags, wallets, laptops or phones inside your vehicle.

 Items such as leads, sunglasses and loose change can be enough to entice an opportunist thief, so remove them from display.

 Ensure your number plate is properly secured, using specialist security screws and strong adhesive backing.

 Consider installing CCTV/a doorbell camera and security lighting.

If you witness any suspicious activity around vehicles, please dial 999 straight away.

Officers from the Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) will be holding further ‘Plate Safe’ events in the area, where drivers can get tamper proof number plate screws fitted free of charge.