Advice issued to vehicle owners as thefts rise

Hertfordshire Constabulary is advising drivers to make sure their vehicles are secure following a rise in thefts.

Across the county thefts have increase by more than 11 per cent this year, compared to the same period last year. The biggest rises occurred in North Herts (up 54 per cent), Broxbourne (up 46 per cent) and in Welwyn Hatfield thefts increased by 28 per cent.

More than half of the stolen vehicles were keyless entry, many of them high value models, which in most cases were stolen overnight or during the evening.

Detective Chief Inspector Luke Whinnett, from the constabulary’s Local Policing Command, said: “Keyless entry vehicles have been a major target over the last few years. Many of the vehicles stolen have been targeted by organised crime gangs who steal higher value vehicles to ship them overseas.

“There are some very easy steps you can take to help keep your vehicle more secure, such as using a good quality steering wheel lock. If you have a keyless entry vehicle, use a signal blocking fob pouch (Faraday bag) and store any spare fobs/keys in a metal box when not in use, so that criminals can’t use signal relay devices to unlock and start your vehicle remotely.”

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.
• An approved strong full cover steering wheel lock prevents theft, even if the vehicle security system is bypassed. 
• 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 as 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 security products for your vehicles search the ‘accredited products’ page on the Secured by Design website a police-approved website.

For more advice, please visit our crime prevention pages.

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

Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form.

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