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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. VEHICLE CRIME ALERT | DULWICH WOOD
Over the past 12 months, Dulwich Wood has experienced an increase in both theft of motor vehicles and theft from motor vehicles. Analysis of recent offences shows that offenders are targeting a range of vehicles, particularly newer Honda, Nissan, Hyundai, Kia, Toyota and Lexus models.
Several stolen vehicles were taken despite owners retaining both sets of keys, suggesting offenders may be using sophisticated electronic methods to gain access and steal vehicles. In some cases, offenders have targeted vehicle wiring by drilling or cutting body panels.
We have also seen:
• Theft of number plates from parked vehicles.
• Theft of tools from vans by drilling or punching holes in panels.
• Thefts from unlocked or electronically accessed vehicles.
• Catalytic converter thefts and attempts.
What can you do?
✅ Use a steering wheel lock or additional immobiliser where possible.
✅ Do not rely solely on Faraday pouches.
✅ Remove valuables and tools from vehicles overnight.
✅ Fit tamper-resistant screws to vehicle number plates.
✅ Check home CCTV, doorbell cameras and vehicle security settings.
✅ Report suspicious activity immediately via 101 or 999 in an emergency.
Officers are carrying out targeted patrols and reviewing vehicle crime hotspots including Dulwich Wood Avenue, Peckarmans Wood, Crescent Wood Road, Alleyn Park and surrounding roads.
If you have CCTV or dashcam footage showing suspicious persons, vehicles or activity in these areas, please report it to police quoting your reference number.
Did You Know?
Several vehicles stolen in Dulwich Wood this year were taken without the keys being stolen. Physical security devices such as steering wheel locks and aftermarket immobilisers remain among the most effective ways to prevent vehicle theft.
Suggested Security Upgrades
Recent offences in Dulwich Wood suggest offenders are targeting vehicles using electronic theft methods and attacks on vehicle wiring. Residents may wish to consider the following additional security measures:
✅ Steering wheel locks
Highly visible and can deter offenders looking for an easy target.
✅ Aftermarket immobilisers (e.g. Ghost or Thatcham-approved systems)
Several attempted thefts locally were unsuccessful where additional immobilisers were fitted.
✅ Consider upgrading vehicle security.
In addition to steering wheel locks and immobilisers, some owners of newer keyless vehicles choose to fit protection for diagnostic ports (OBD) and vehicle wiring systems (CAN-bus). These measures are designed to make it more difficult for thieves to bypass a vehicle's security and steal it without the keys.
✅ Driveway security
Motion-activated lighting, CCTV and video doorbells can help identify suspicious activity and provide evidence.
✅ Secure number plates
Use tamper-resistant screws or security plate fittings to help prevent number plate thefts. We offer them for free so please get in touch.
✅ Van owners and tradespeople
Consider internal tool safes, van alarms, slam locks and removing tools overnight where possible. Several local thefts involved tools being stolen from vans after panels were drilled or forced.
Local Advice
Owners of Honda, Lexus, Nissan, Hyundai, Kia and Toyota vehicles should consider reviewing their vehicle security arrangements, particularly if parked overnight on driveways or roads within the Dulwich Wood area.
 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. | 
