Crime Alert: Theft From Motor Vehicles

Crime Alert: Theft From Motor Vehicles

Crime Alert for Local Residents

We are currently investigating a recent increase in thefts from motor vehicles across the area. Of particular concern is a rise in the theft of assisted/adaptive cruise control radar units fitted to the front of some vehicles. These units are often located behind the front grille or within the front bumper and can be removed quickly by offenders, resulting in significant repair costs.

How You Can Protect Your Vehicle

Consider Additional Security for Radar Units

Owners of vehicles fitted with front-mounted radar sensors are encouraged to:

Consider having a manufacturer-approved retrofit security kit installed where available.

Speak to your vehicle dealership about additional protection measures specific to your make and model.

When possible, use tight-space parking tactics, such as parking close to a wall, fence, or another obstruction that limits access to the front of the vehicle.

Park in well-lit areas covered by CCTV whenever available.

Prevent Key Relay Theft

Criminals continue to use key relay devices to steal vehicles by amplifying the signal from keyless entry fobs inside homes.

To reduce the risk:

Keep vehicle keys well away from doors, windows, and external walls.

Store keys in a signal-blocking pouch (Faraday pouch) or secure metal container.

If available, disable keyless entry functions when not required.

Ensure vehicle software and security systems are kept up to date.

Consider Additional Vehicle Security

Additional security measures can significantly reduce the likelihood of your vehicle being stolen.

You may wish to consider:

An immobiliser that requires a unique PIN code sequence before the vehicle can be driven.

Security systems that require the driver to be carrying a recognised security tag before the engine will start.

Steering wheel locks or other visible anti-theft devices which can deter opportunist criminals.

Vehicle tracking systems to assist in recovery should a theft occur.

Remove valuables from your vehicle or not leave leave on display.

Report Suspicious Activity

Please remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour around parked vehicles, particularly individuals inspecting the front of vehicles, lingering in residential streets during the night, or carrying tools without an obvious reason.

If a crime is in progress, call 999. For non-emergency reports or information, contact police via 101 or online.

Together, we can help reduce vehicle crime and keep our community safe.

Southfield Neighbourhood Policing Team
Working with residents to protect our communities from crime and anti-social behaviour.

Reply to this message

Message Sent By
Christopher Robinson
(Metropolitan Police, Sergeant, East Acton & Southfield Wards)