Advice issue to drivers as thefts rise in 2024

Drivers are being advised to make sure vehicles are secure following an increase in thefts during 2024.

Last year vehicle thefts increased by more than 11 per cent, compared to the previous year, however in some areas the increases were significantly higher. In Welwyn Hatfield and North Herts they increased 30 per cent and in Broxbourne thefts rose by 22 per cent. Many of those stolen were high value keyless vehicles.

Detective Chief Inspector Luke Whinnett, from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Local Policing Command, said: “Keyless entry vehicles have increasingly been targeted this year, particularly in some parts of the county. Many of the vehicles stolen have been targeted by organised crime gangs who steal higher value vehicles to ship them overseas.

“We are advising owners of keyless to used additional security measures, such as good quality steering wheel locks, which are a great deterrent. If you have a keyless entry vehicle, use a signal blocking fob pouch (Faraday bag) and keep fobs and store any spare 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.”

Over the last two years Hertfordshire Constabulary has been targeting organised crime groups, who have been committing dozens of vehicle theft offences. More than 30 offenders believed to be responsible for over 200 offences have been caught and prosecuted since 2022. 

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 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.