Dear Residents, 

I am writing to raise awareness of recent reports involving vehicle interference and thefts of and from motor vehicles in Woodstock and the surrounding Swale area.

These offences are often opportunistic, with offenders looking for easy targets where vehicles have been left insecure or where valuables have been left inside. In many cases, offenders will specifically target streets during the evening and overnight hours, checking door handles and looking for items left on display.

Whilst Kent Police continues to investigate reports and carry out patrols where appropriate, there are several simple steps residents can take to reduce the risk of becoming a victim.

Vehicle Security Advice

Lock It Every Time

Many vehicle crimes occur because doors have accidentally been left unlocked. Please make it a habit to:

·  Check doors are locked after leaving your vehicle.

·  Physically try the door handle before walking away.

·  Ensure all windows, sunroofs and convertible roofs are fully secured.

Remove Valuables

A thief only needs seconds to break into a vehicle. Please avoid leaving:

·  Mobile phones.

·  Bags and handbags.

·  Wallets and purses.

·  Laptops and tablets.

·  Work equipment.

·  Shopping bags.

·  Sunglasses and loose change.

Even items of little value can tempt an offender if they are visible through a window.

Protect Vehicle Keys

Vehicle keys are increasingly targeted by criminals.

To reduce the risk:

·  Keep keys away from front doors, windows and letterboxes.

·  Store spare keys securely.

·  For keyless vehicles, consider using a Faraday pouch or signal-blocking box.

·  Never leave keys unattended in communal areas, porches or hallways.

Secure Work Vehicles and Tools

Tradespeople's vans remain attractive targets.

Consider:

·  Removing tools overnight whenever possible.

·  Parking with rear and side loading doors against a wall or obstruction.

·  Using tool safes, deadlocks or additional security devices.

·  Marking valuable equipment with identifiable property markings.

Park Securely

Where possible:

·  Park in well-lit areas.

·  Use garages and driveways.

·  Position vehicles where they can be overlooked by residents or CCTV.

·  Avoid leaving vehicles unattended in isolated locations for prolonged periods.

Don't Leave Documents in Your Vehicle

Avoid storing:

·  Vehicle registration documents.

·  Insurance documentation.

·  Bank statements.

·  Personal correspondence.

These documents can assist offenders in committing further crimes, including identity fraud.

Help Protect Your Neighbourhood

Please remain alert to suspicious activity, particularly:

·  Individuals trying vehicle door handles.

·  People looking into parked vehicles.

·  Unfamiliar persons moving between driveways late at night.

·  Individuals carrying tools or bags whilst acting suspiciously around parked vehicles.

·  Vehicles repeatedly driving around residential streets without apparent reason.

If something doesn't feel right, trust your instincts and report it.

If a crime is in progress or there is an immediate risk to life or property, call 999.

For non-emergency reports, information or suspicious activity, please contact Kent Police online or via 101.

Working Together

Preventing vehicle crime is not solely a policing matter. Every resident can play a part by securing their vehicle, remaining vigilant and encouraging family members, friends and neighbours to do the same.

Please take a moment to discuss this advice with those around you, particularly elderly relatives, new drivers and neighbours who may not be aware of the risks. Share the advice through local platforms, both in persona and online. A community that stays informed and looks out for one another is one of the strongest deterrents to criminal activity.

Thank you for your support in helping keep the ward a safe place to live.

Yours faithfully,

Jake