Wycombe Neighbourhood Watch has received numerous reports indicating that individuals potentially involved in motor vehicle thefts have been walking along busy streets, attempting door handles to check for unlocked vehicles. With a noticeable increase in car thefts around Hazlemere, it’s important to be proactive about protecting your vehicle. In this article, we’ll explore practical tips to keep your car secure.

With the onset of dark evenings this autumn, it is estimated that out of 100 vehicles, thieves may discover one where the doors have been inadvertently left unlocked.

1. Leave your car locked: a simple mistake that can prove calamitous. 44% of cars were broken into via an unlocked door. Ensure all your vehicle doors are safely locked when unattended.

2. Leave your car well-lit: 80% of car crime occurs during the evening or at night. Parking near street lamps or in a busy area can deter thieves.

3. Leave your car empty: owners often forget that personal belongings within the car are at as much risk of being stolen as the car itself. Never leave anything visible in your vehicle that might attract thieves.

Following the 3 simple steps will help to keep your car safe, but there are further steps you could take:

– Store car ownership information at home, not in your car

– Secure number plates with anti-theft screws available from car accessory stores

– Keep your car keys out of sight in your home

– To reduce the risk of having your catalytic converter stolen: try and park your car with the back facing walls and fences so there is less room for the thieves to move around. Avoid parking on half of the road and half of the pavement as it makes access to the exhaust easier. Get your converter securely bolted on as it will be harder to take off.

– To avoid keyless car theft: remember to keep the keys far away from doors and windows; block or turn off the signal with a Defender Signal Blocker pouch so that it cannot be accessed remotely by criminals. Check your manual or speak to your dealer to find out if your key can be switched off. Consider using a steering wheel lock, a driveway parking post, or even a wheel clamp

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How to Report a Crime to the Thames Valley Police

If you have been a victim of crime you can report it in several ways.

Is it an emergency?

Does it feel like the situation could get heated or violent very soon? Is someone in immediate danger? Do you need support right away? Is a crime still taking place? If so, you need to call 999.

If you have a hearing or speech impairment, use the textphone service 18000 or text the police on 999 if you’ve pre-registered with the Emergency SMS Service.

Non-Emergency

By Phone

If it’s not an emergency, do not call 999. This doesn’t mean the crime is not important – it just helps the police to make the best use of their resources. Call 101 for non-emergency enquiries. If you have a hearing or speech impairment, use the textphone service on 18001 101.

Online

Online reporting has been introduced to offer another option to victims of crime when reporting a crime or incident where an urgent police response is not required. Examples of crimes and incidents that can be reported online and also by phone include: criminal damage and vandalism, thefts from a vehicle, shed, garage, outbuilding and house burglaries when the reporting is after the event.

You should try to include as much information as possible about the crime.

Online reporting allows you the freedom to report non-emergencies at a time that is convenient for you. It means you are able to spend some time writing in your own words exactly what happened and there is no need to wait until somebody become available to take your call.

https://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime

Reporting Anonymously

If you have information regarding a crime and don’t want to talk to the police, contact the charity Crimestoppers online or call 0800 555 111. You will remain 100% anonymous. Always.

Following a crime

Support for yourself: if you have been affected by crime and need confidential emotional support or advice on what to do next, you can contact Victim Support on 08 08 16 89 111