Vehicle Crime Prevention During the Festive Season

As we head into the festive period, we want to remind everyone that vehicle crime remains a concern across Southall and surrounding areas. While it may not be the top crime type in every neighbourhood, taking simple precautions now can prevent you from becoming a victim of an opportunist in the future.

What You Can Do

•  Lock it, remove it, secure it: Always lock your vehicle and remove valuables from sight.

•  Park smart: Use well-lit areas and, where possible, secure car parks.

•  Report suspicious activity: If you see something that concerns you, report it straight away to police via 101 or online.

 See It, Report It

Some residents and businesses are sharing concerns with partners but not reporting incidents to police, which makes crime data less accurate and affects how we prioritise resources. If you see something the police should know about, tell us immediately.

If it’s safe and appropriate:

•  Capture footage, descriptions, clothing details, names, vehicle registrations, shop names.

•  Note exact times for CCTV checks—this is critical for investigations.

 Extra Tips for Businesses and Delivery Drivers

•  Never leave keys, wallets, cash, laptops, or purses visible in vehicles—even for a short time. Opportunists act quickly.

•  Secure delivery parcels and paperwork out of sight when making multiple stops.

•  Use lockable storage boxes for high-value items and keep vehicle doors locked during drop-offs.

•  Consider dashcams or CCTV coverage for business fleets and delivery vehicles.

•  Double-check doors and windows before leaving vehicles unattended, especially in busy areas or during late-night deliveries.

We are committed to policing more precisely, but we need your help to be visible in the right place at the right time. Your information and communication make that possible.

Together, we can keep Southall safe this festive season.

Report online at met.police.uk or call 101 for non-emergencies. In an emergency, always dial 999