Vehicle crime falls in Thames Valley

Police and Crime Commissioner, Matthew Barber, has welcomed stats which show that vehicle crime (theft of a vehicle, theft from a vehicle and vehicle interference) has fallen over 13% across the Thames Valley.

The tackling of vehicle crime has recently been the subject of national focus with the National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC) leading a nationwide Vehicle Crime Intensification Week to prevent offences, disrupt organised criminality and enhance partnership working across law enforcement agencies and vehicle manufactures.

Matthew Barber said: “The loss of contents or theft of a vehicle leaves victims feeling vulnerable as well as out of pocket.

“It is very welcome that vehicle crime has fallen 13.5% across the Thames Valley over the past 12 months but it is important we maintain this trajectory, improving the Force’s tactical response to prevent and detect offenders, further expanding neighbourhood policing teams and having a renewed focus on tackling organised crime groups operating in our communities, as laid out in my Police and Crime Plan.

“We also need to work with the car industry to improve vehicle security and make it harder for thieves to exploit new technologies as well as reiterating simple but essential prevention advice to motorists such as ensuring vehicles are locked at all times and parked in secure, well-lit areas.”

Other ways people can prevent themselves falling victim to vehicle crime include making sure windows and sunroofs are closed, fitting alarms, immobilisers and/or tracking systems if not already on the vehicle – wheel locks, gear clamps and other traditional security systems can also act as a strong visual deterrent against thieves, removing valuables from the vehicle and for van owners, marking any tools that are regularly left in a van overnight.

For those who own keyless entry cars, keep your car key, and the spare, well away from the vehicle when at home. Also consider purchasing a signal-blocking pouch to store your keys in as this will make your car less susceptible to the ‘Relay Attack’’ theft method.

The national Vehicle Crime Intensification Week ran from 16 – 22 September and saw over 180 arrests made across the country for vehicle crime-related offences and over 300 stolen vehicles recovered including cars, motorcycles and lorries.

More information about preventing vehicle theft can be found on the Thames Valley Police website.