Vehicle crime remains a focus for Southfield neighbourhood officers

Vehicle crime remains a focus for Southfield neighbourhood officers

Southfield’s neighbourhood policing team is stepping up visible patrols and crime-prevention activity following a number of reports of vehicle crime across the ward this month.

Since 1 September, police have received nine reports of theft from motor vehicles across Southfield Ward. In many cases, relatively small items such as coins and bank cards have been taken.

There have also been six reports of vehicles being stolen during the same period.

Encouragingly, no residential burglaries or personal robberies have been reported across the ward during this period.

Visible patrols and prevention

Your local Neighbourhood Policing Team is proactively reviewing where offences are happening so patrols and resources can be focused in the areas where they can have the greatest impact.

Officers have been carrying out visible patrols across the ward and recently visited South Parade, providing vehicle crime-prevention advice to residents and motorists.

Witnesses to some recent incidents have described two males using e-bikes in connection with thefts from vehicles. Residents are asked to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to police.

Even if you believe you have little or no evidence, please report the crime. Every report helps police build a clearer picture of what is happening locally, identify emerging trends and hotspots, link offences and focus patrols where they are most needed.

Help protect your vehicle

A few simple precautions can reduce the opportunity for vehicle crime:

Always lock your vehicle, even when leaving it for a short time.

Remove valuables and personal belongings, including loose change, bank cards and bags. Avoid leaving anything on display.

Check that doors and windows are secure before walking away.

If you have a keyless-entry vehicle, consider keeping keys and spare keys in a suitable signal-blocking pouch when at home.

Consider additional security measures such as a steering-wheel lock or a secure immobiliser for extra protection.

If possible, park in a well-lit and secure location.

Report suspicious behaviour, particularly people appearing to try vehicle doors or look inside parked vehicles.

A message from your local team

“We are actively reviewing vehicle crime across Southfield and using the information reported to us to identify patterns, focus our patrols and pursue opportunities to identify those responsible.
“We want residents to feel reassured that their local officers are out in the community, providing a visible policing presence and taking proactive steps to prevent further offences. Please continue to report crime and suspicious behaviour. Even when you think there is little evidence available, your report can help us identify a wider pattern and direct our resources to where they are needed most.”
Southfield Ward Sergeant Chris Robinson

If you see a crime taking place or there is an immediate risk, call 999. Otherwise, report crime and suspicious activity through the usual police reporting channels.

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Message Sent By
Christopher Robinson
(Metropolitan Police, Sergeant, East Acton & Southfield Wards)