Vehicle Crime 25 Aug 11:35

Vulnerable Vehicle Scheme

The Vulnerable Vehicle Scheme is aimed at reducing the amount of vehicles that are broken into, thereby reducing vehicle crime. Unfortunately some drivers are still leaving their property, often of value, in their cars in plain view of an opportunistic thief. Leaving valuables in sight will encourage a thief to break in. During the course of daily patrols we keep an eye out for vulnerable vehicles, which are vehicles that have property on show or have left windows or doors open.

The types of property that are often left on show are compact discs, mobile phones, MP3 players, laptops, handbags and wallets. Satellite Navigation systems are the thieves favourite at the moment and leaving the suction mount on the windscreen or even the mark left on the glass following removal can cause a thief to break in, so please take them with you and wipe away any marks from the windscreen.

When we come across a vulnerable vehicle we make a note of its registration, the make and model of the vehicle, where it was parked and why we consider it to be at risk. We then either visit or write to the registered keeper informing them why it was considered to be at risk. The letter acts as a reminder to the owner to be more safety conscious in the future and will hopefully significantly reduce the crime in the area.

Many thanks

Sgt Jeff New
dundonald safer neighbourhoods team
0208 721 2450
dundonald.snt@met.police.uk