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I wanted to provide an update regarding theft from motor vehicles, which members around this area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the Met Engage priority survey. There has been a recent increase of incidents, and we are in the process of planning an operation to target this.
The vehicles being targeted are:
VW Golf 2017 –> (GTD, GTI, R, MK7.5 + vehicles equipped with Adaptive Cruise Control)
VW T-Roc 2018 ->
VW Tiguan 2017 – 2023
VW Passat 2018 – 2022
The vehicles are being targeted for the VW badge which contains the radar sensor that assists with ACC, front assist and other driver assist functions. They are also being targeted due to the ease of removal. These can be removed very quickly with a screwdriver and can be resold for over £1000.
They are identifiable by the VW badge is smooth/glossy rather than opaque plastic. ACC is also listed on the steering wheel controls or dashboard menu.
HOW TO REDUCE THE RISK:
Park your vehicle nose-in against a wall or another vehicle
Use secure or gated parking
Park in a well-lit area with CCTV
Fit metal or reinforced covered behind the badge/grille
Fit anti-theft brackets
Fit hidden security plates
Fit reinforced grille mounts
Fit tamper-proof Torx screws/ one-way security bots/ custom fasteners
Security mark the badge/ radar housing/ mounting brackets/ all three
Alarm sensitivity upgrades to detect vibration near the grille, trigger warning chirps, send phone notifications
IF YOURS IS STOLEN:
Report to police immediately either by calling 101 or reporting on the metropolitan police website
Inform your insurance company (they will want your crime reference number)
Notify a VW dealer with the VIN number
Ask whether the stolen unit can be blacklisted
Photograph damage before completing repairs
VW uses a system called ‘component protection’ on many radar sensors. If a stolen sensor is fitted on another vehicle, it may not work property and may be identified as stolen by the car’s systems.
I some cases victims of this have reported partial repair contributions, reduced repair costs and assistance through dealerships, however this is not guaranteed.
 Having personal items stolen from your vehicle is an upsetting experience, and we are determined to find and arrest those who break the law. We will keep you updated with what we are doing to tackle this in your area, but in the meantime, please follow the below advice to help protect your belongings. 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 it’s 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. Remove all items from view by taking them with you or putting them in the boot out of sight. Thieves will look for any items on display. Things like clothes, documents or an old bag might not seem like valuables, but they could still tempt a thief. Ensure you remove all other clues there might be valuables linked to the car, such as phone chargers or sat-nav mounts. Park your vehicle in a private garage if you can. If you do not 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. | 
