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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. Please find below some crime prevention advise regarding theft from motor vehicle crime.
Motor vehicle
Key messages
Advice to prevent the theft of cars and vans:
Thieves are using new technology to break into cars and vans without keys. They use a variety of techniques, such as accessing externals sensors on bumpers or lights to re-programme and enter the vehicle, or may use other electronic devices to gain entry.
To prevent this, use a combination of the following measures:
Use approved security products - such as steering wheel locks, pedal locks or OBD port locks - to prevent the vehicle being driven away. The best products are even resistant to small hand held angle grinders. Visit www.soldsecure.com and www.securedbydesign.com for more information.
Consider alarms, immobilisers and tracking devices. Ask your vehicle dealership for manufacturer approved products.
Check your windows and doors are closed and locked every time you leave your vehicle.
Some criminal gangs are looking out for certain vehicles where the wing mirrors automatically fold in when locked – if they notice such a vehicle with the wing mirrors still open, they will know it is unlocked and will then steal it.
If your vehicle has keyless entry and start, ensure ALL keys are kept within a security pouch. This will prevent some forms of theft devices being used. Check if the pouch is still working every few months.
Keep your keys in a safe place - remember thieves burgle houses to steal vehicle keys. Don’t leave them near a door or window or in obvious places such as hallways or kitchens.
If you have a garage, use it. Consider using public car parks that are part of the police approved ‘Park Mark’ Safer Parking Scheme which have been assessed for their security.
If selling your car privately do not allow your keys out of your sight – they may be cloned by thieves and used later to steal your car.
Further advice to prevent theft from cars and vans:
Fit theft resistant number plate fittings – stolen number plates are commonly used to hide the identity of stolen vehicles. Use one way clutch head screws and adhesive to secure the plate.
Fitting locking wheel nuts will reduce the likelihood of wheels and tyres being stolen.
Leaving items on show is an invitation – power leads, SatNavs and mounts, stereo front panels, coins, sunglasses, tools, clothing and bags should be removed from the vehicle or placed out of sight.
Motorcycles and mopeds
Keep your motorcycle or moped in a garage, shed or designated bike store at home – storing it out of view is one of the best ways to prevent opportunist theft. Consider fitting a garage or shed alarm.
Fit an alarm, immobiliser, preferably with tracking capability and property mark any panels – alarms act as a deterrent. Tracking devices and property marking assist in recovery should your motorcycle or moped be stolen.
Lock the rear wheel to an immovable object or ground anchor and use a disk lock on the front wheel – making the vehicle less of any easy option will reduce the chances of it being targeted. Combine the use of a disk lock on the front wheel and a chain lock to a ground anchor.
Don’t rely on the steering lock – standard steering locks are easily defeated and your bike can always be lifted into a van if not secured.
Use a bike cover – covers are another hassle for an opportunist thief, if they cannot see what moped or motorcycle it is they are less likely to target it.
Many thanks,
 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. | 
