Vehicle Crime

Surrey Police has launched an initiative this week to tackle vehicle crime across the county. Activity will include neighbourhood officers and extra patrol teams focussing on the hot spot areas within Surrey and offenders known to be linked to vehicle crime. The Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) team will also be stopping vehicles which are known to have been stolen or have links to offenders. The overall aim is to reduce the offences of theft from and theft of motor vehicles.


In addition to these operational activites, innovative 'Fixed Police Notices' containing crime prevention advice will also be put on cars in vulnerable areas or where vehicle crime has recently taken place.
Inspector Richard Mallet of Surrey Police Roads Policing Unit advises the following steps to reduce vehicle crime;
Always lock your car when you leave it, even if it's just for a few moments. Make sure windows and sunroofs are shut and locked too.
Never leave any personal possessions in your car. Thieves love to steal sat navs, laptops and mobile phones. But less obvious items such as clothes and loose change are also appealing.
Don't leave valuables hidden in your boot or under car seats. Thieves know where to look.
Don't store driving or vehicle documents in your glove box. Keep them stored safely at home.
If your car doesn't have an alarm, get one fitted or use a steering lock to deter thieves.
Look after your car keys. Keep them on you when out and about. When at home keep them hidden and not in view of a window, door or letterbox.
Secure your number plate with clutch head screws to avoid becoming a victim of 'car cloning'.
Keep your eye out for potential car criminals. If you see someone looking inside cars or trying door handles call Surrey Police on 101. In an emergency always call 999. For more details on how to protect your vehicle visit www.surrey.police.uk/vehiclecrime