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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. Sidcup ward has experienced several incidents of note involving vehicle crime over the past week.
In the early hours of Wednesday 17th June, a BMW was stolen from Church Avenue, Sidcup. CCTV shows suspects approaching Church Avenue from Church Road at approximately 02:48hrs. The suspects initially approached the victim’s vehicle before walking further down the road. They later returned to the vehicle and, at approximately 03:16hrs, drove it away.
The victim discovered the vehicle missing later that morning and confirmed they were still in possession of both sets of keys. It’s likely this vehicle was stolen using a Relay device.
Today the neighbourhood policing team have been in the Church Road and Church Avenue making further enquiries.
We also had a report of an attempted theft from a motor vehicle reported in Knoll Road, Sidcup. Two suspects were seen approaching an unsecured vehicle parked on the driveway on Sunday 14th June. The windows to this vehicle were open and suspects managed to briefly get inside the vehicle before activating the vehicle alarm. Both suspects fled the scene and fortunately nothing was stolen.
Finally, a vehicle was criminally damaged on Friday 12th June. Victim discovered passenger window had been smashed.
 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. | 
