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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. Today, while patrolling Thamesmead East, SNT officers noticed leaflet cards placed on the dashboards of several vehicles. This can be a method used by criminals to identify vehicles that may not be regularly used.
The tactic involves placing a leaflet or card on a vehicle and checking whether it has been removed. If it remains in place for several days, offenders may assume the vehicle is unattended or that the owner is away, making it a potential target for theft.
SNT is advising residents to remain vigilant and remove any suspicious leaflets or cards from their vehicles. If appropriate, please also check on vehicles belonging to friends, family members, or neighbours and remove any such items. By working together and looking out for one another, we can help keep our community safe.
SNT will continue carrying out patrols across Thamesmead East and will remove any suspicious leaflets or cards found on vehicles where possible.
Please see the picture below for an example of what these leaflets/cards look like. If you spot one, remove it where safe and appropriate to do so.
 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.
We want your help to shape the future of policing across London. We are seeking your views on our new inclusion strategy to ensure that the Met is a police service that is trusted, representative and more effective at keeping London safe. You can have your say on our Inclusion Strategy consultation which runs until Thursday 26 November. | 
