Crime Prevention Advice: Vehicle Crime
Whether you depend on your van for work or use your car for commuting, a break-in can be costly in terms of time, money and peace of mind. Protect your vehicles and their contents by following these steps:
- Always lock doors and windows: It seems obvious but it's the first line of defence.
- Park in well-lit areas: Thieves are less likely to target vehicles in visible, well-lit or busy locations.
- Remove valuables from sight: Keep items like laptops, bags and tools out of view, or take them with you.
- Install an alarm system: A good alarm can deter thieves and alert you to any break-ins.
- Use steering wheel locks: These add an extra layer of security and can discourage potential thieves.
- Consider GPS tracking devices: In case of theft, these devices can help locate your vehicle quickly.
- Keep your keys out of sight at home: Ensure that your keys are not visible or accessible from the outside to prevent opportunistic theft.
- Store your keys in a metal tin or a Faraday pouch: These block the signal that allow a thief to unlock your vehicle without a key.
- Install a smart doorbell or CCTV system: These security measures can deter thieves and provide valuable evidence.
If you witness a crime in progress, please call 999 immediately.
Non-emergency incidents can be reported by calling 101 or online at the Thames Valley Police website. Scan the QR code for more information and advice on vehicle crime prevention.
Written by System Admin and published on 28 May 2026.