🚗 Suspicious Activity Reported - Vehicle Crime Prevention Advice

🚗 Suspicious Activity Reported - Vehicle Crime Prevention Advice

🚗 Suspicious Activity Reported - Vehicle Crime Prevention Advice

Yesterday, we received and the team responded to a report of suspicious persons in the car park of a local Hotel. Initially, concerns were raised that the individuals may have been attempting to steal vehicles. Fortunately, following enquiries and CCTV review, it was established that the group were youths loitering in the area and there was no evidence of them attempting to interfere with any vehicles.

Whilst no offences were identified on this occasion, the report serves as a timely reminder to take simple steps to help protect your vehicle and belongings.

🔒 Keep valuables out of sight

Many thefts from vehicles are opportunistic. Criminals often target vehicles where valuable items are visible. Remove items such as mobile phones, sat navs, handbags, wallets, laptops, tools and shopping bags, or ensure they are securely hidden from view before leaving your vehicle unattended. 

🚘 Park smart

With the darker evenings now upon us, consider where you park your vehicle. Where possible, choose locations that:

These measures can reduce opportunities for criminals and increase the likelihood of suspicious activity being noticed.

🔑 Protect your keys

Vehicle theft increasingly involves thieves obtaining or exploiting vehicle keys rather than forcing entry. Keep keys and spare keys out of sight and away from doors and windows. If your vehicle has keyless entry, consider storing your keys in a signal-blocking pouch (Faraday pouch) to help prevent relay theft. Remember to periodically test the pouch remains effective.

❄️ Don't leave your vehicle running unattended

As colder mornings arrive, many motorists leave their vehicles unattended whilst de-icing windows or warming engines. Doing so provides an easy opportunity for thieves. Always remain with your vehicle when it is running and ensure it is locked whenever left unattended. Kent Police also remind motorists that leaving a vehicle running unattended can invalidate insurance cover if it is stolen. 

✅ Simple vehicle security tips

For more vehicle crime prevention advice, please visit:

🔗 Kent Police: https://www.kent.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/keeping-vehicles-safe/preventing-car-vehicle-theft/

🔗 Secured by Design: https://www.securedbydesign.com/guidance/crime-prevention-advice/vehicle-crime/car-security

If you witness suspicious behaviour around vehicles, please report it via 101, online, or 999 in an emergency.

If you need any further advice on this subject, feel free to reply back to me.

Thank you 👍