|
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. Although Carshalton Central is a low crime area, vehicle crime continues to be a local concern and an area of continued focus for your safer neighbourhood team.
We have been conducting overt patrols on foot and in marked police vehicles as well as covert plain clothes patrols with an aim to disrupt or catch those in the act of committing crime.
Nationally, Toyota’s – specifically Toyota Hilux’s are proving to be a desirable vehicle to steal. If you own one or have a neighbour with one please be extra vigilant.
When we had to physically lock a car before the key fob revolution, we tended to take greater care to ensure the car was locked such as trying the handle and making sure the buttons are pushed down on each door and removing a car stereo.
These days, we rely on the technology to take care of locking up and don’t feel the need to second guess it. Its easy to forget or press the wrong button and walk away.
Thieves are opportunistic and take advantage of accidental carelessness. We can hinder their efforts to deprive you of your property by taking steps to protect your vehicles.
Often thieves will walk along a street trying door handles until they find an unlocked vehicle, if there is a tempting valuable on sight they will smash the glass to gain access.
Take valuables out of the car or place them out of sight, ensure that your car is locked by trying the handle, invest in a car alarm or steering lock.
Keyless cars can be bypassed using devices to tap into the key signal from within your home. Faraday box or pouch offers a degree of protection.
Many burglaries are committed simply to retrieve the keys to a vehicle that are usually near the front door. Think about keeping your car keys in a less predictable place.
Finally, do not be scared to report suspicious people to police, either via 999 if something is happening now or via 101 or online if less urgent.
Working together, we can combat crime.
 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. | 
