Advice for drivers as vehicle thefts rise

Drivers are being advised to make sure their cars and vans are secure following an increase in thefts of vehicles in the county.

Thefts of vehicles have increased by more than eight per cent this year compared to the same period last year*. The biggest increases occurred in the Dacorum, Three Rivers and East Herts areas.

Crime Prevention Officer, Darren Cowell, said: “There’s been an increase in vehicle thefts this year. Keyless entry vehicles have been targeted by criminals using signal relay equipment, which can pick up the fob signal and use it to unlock and start vehicles. Using a signal blocking fob pouch (Faraday bag) or storing your fob and any spare keys in a metal box will help prevent theft of keyless vehicles. Also using a good quality steering wheel lock can be an effective deterrent.”

To minimise the chance of becoming a victim we offer the following advice:

• Lock your car whenever it is left unattended and keep it in a garage when parked at night if possible.
• When at home keep your keyless car fob (and the spare) well away from the car.
• Put the keys in a screened or signal-blocking pouch, such as a Faraday Bag.
• Reprogramme your key fobs if you buy a second hand car.
• Turn off wireless signals on your fob when it's not being used.
• Never leave your vehicle unattended with the engine running, even if you are only absent for a moment. 
• Consider fitting CCTV covering your home and driveway, to help deter thieves.
• Use PIR or LED security lighting to make your vehicle more visible and this can also act as a deterrent.
• Always consider parking in a car park that has been accredited with the police approved  “Park Mark” scheme.
• Noisy gravel on your drive can help deter a would-be thief, as they don’t want to alert you to their approach.
• Never leave valuable items or tools on display in your vehicle as this may encourage a thief to break in.

For more advice, please visit our crime prevention pages.

You can report information about crime online, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat tool or call the non-emergency number 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency.

You can report vehicle crime anonymously by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form (opens in new window).

To receive police messages about a range of topics including burglaries, scams and missing people in your local area, sign up to Online Watch Link (OWL) (opens in new window) or download the ‘OWL crime alerts’ app from your app store.