|
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. Vehicle Theft – Manser Road
On 5 July, a vehicle was stolen from a driveway on Manser Road.
Vehicle Details
Make: Mercedes-Benz
Model: CLF 400D
Colour: Black
VRM: FL54 CLS
The vehicle was taken with a boot full of power tools, resulting in the loss of both the vehicle and valuable equipment.
Crime Prevention Advice
This incident highlights the importance of not leaving valuable items inside vehicles overnight, even when parked on a driveway. Tools, laptops, bags, and other valuables can attract thieves and significantly increase losses if a vehicle is stolen.
To reduce the risk of vehicle theft:
Remove all valuable items from your vehicle when it is unattended.
Do not leave tools or equipment in vehicles overnight wherever possible.
Ensure vehicles are locked and windows are fully closed.
Use additional security devices such as:
Steering wheel locks
Pedal locks
Tracking devices
Vehicle alarms and immobilisers
Park in a secure, well-lit location or garage if available.
Consider installing CCTV or motion-activated security lighting covering driveways.
Additional security measures can act as a visible deterrent and make vehicles less attractive targets for thieves.
If you have any information regarding this theft, please contact police quoting the vehicle registration FL54 CLS, devices can be very effective, but their success depends on the type of tracker fitted.
Vehicles fitted with professionally monitored stolen vehicle recovery systems have reported recovery rates of around 90–95%, with many recovered within the first 24 hours after being stolen. [tracker.co.uk], [listers.co.uk]
By comparison, overall vehicle recovery rates in England and Wales have been reported at less than one-third of stolen vehicles in recent years. [tracker.co.uk], [carmagazine.co.uk]
Why trackers help
✅ Allow police to locate the vehicle quickly before it is:
Stripped for parts.
Used in further criminality.
Transported abroad.
✅ Some systems use VHF technology as well as GPS, meaning they can still be tracked if hidden in:
Shipping containers.
Underground car parks.
Lock-ups. [tracker.co.uk], [listers.co.uk]
✅ Many monitored systems alert the owner immediately if the vehicle is moved unexpectedly. [tracker.co.uk]
Important point
A tracker does not prevent theft. It improves the chances of recovering the vehicle after it has been stolen. The best approach is to use a tracker alongside:
A steering wheel lock.
An immobiliser.
Faraday pouches for keyless vehicle keys.
CCTV and security lighting.
Removing valuable items and tools from the vehicle overnight.
For tradespeople, a tracker can be particularly valuable because recovering the van or car may also mean recovering expensive tools and avoiding significant disruption to work. However, tools should still be removed whenever possible, as thieves often target vehicles specifically because they believe valuable equipment is inside.
 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. | 
