Theft of car badges and front sensors

Your local Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) is aware of a recent increase in reports of Volkswagen (VW) and Mercedes badges being stolen from vehicles within the area.

As this remains an active investigation, we are unable to comment further on specific lines of enquiry at this time. However,

we would encourage all victims and witnesses to report these incidents to police, even if the badge has already been replaced. Reporting helps us build a clearer intelligence picture, identify hotspots, understand offending patterns, and direct patrols and resources appropriately.

Crime Prevention Advice

To help protect your vehicle and reduce the risk of becoming a victim:

·  Parking in a garage or secure, well-lit location where possible.

·  Parking in a position covered by CCTV or a video doorbell camera.

·  Using a vehicle cover where practical, as this can make opportunistic theft more difficult.

·  Speaking with a Mercedes or VW dealership or specialist repairer about whether any additional security measures or tamper-resistant fixing kits are available for your model.

·  Check that your vehicle is locked and secure every time you leave it. Thieves often look for easy opportunities and will routinely try door handles until they find a vehicle that has been left unlocked.

·  Keep your keys safe and out of view, especially when at home. Avoid leaving keys near windows, letterboxes, or the front door.

·  If you have a keyless entry vehicle, keep the key well away from the vehicle while at home and disable wireless signals on the fob when not in use, if possible. Consider storing your keys in a screened or signal-blocking pouch, such as a Faraday bag, and test it periodically to ensure it remains effective.

·  Remove all items from view. Take valuables with you or place them in the boot before reaching your destination. Items such as clothing, paperwork, bags, phone chargers, cables, and sat-nav mounts can attract thieves by suggesting valuables may be present.

·  Park in a secure location whenever possible. A private garage is best. If this is not available, choose a well-lit, open area with good natural surveillance and CCTV coverage where possible.

·  Use police-accredited Park Mark safer parking car parks when available.

·  Secure your number plates with tamper-resistant screws to reduce the risk of them being stolen and used in further offences.

·  If your vehicle is fitted with CCTV or parked near home CCTV or doorbell cameras, ensure they are operational and review footage if an incident occurs.

Reporting

If your badge has been stolen, please report it to police:

🌐 Online: www.met.police.uk
📞 Non-emergency: 101
🚨 Emergency: 999 if a crime is in progress

Thank you for your continued support and vigilance. By continuing to report offences and suspicious activity, you are helping us to better understand the issue and support our ongoing investigation.