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Hello Resident, We are appealing for witnesses following a report of theft from a motor vehicle in (Holywell Place, Springfield, Milton Keynes). The incident occurred at around (Overnight between Tuesday 17th February - Wednesday 18th February) in (Holywell Place, Springfield, Milton Keynes). Aggrieved has reported that they have been to their vehicle this morning and it has been broken into and searched, they are unsure if the vehicle had been left open or not. At this stage it doesn't appear that anything has been taken. "If you have any information around this incident, please contact the Thames Valley Police enquiry centre on 101 quoting reference (43260082061) or online. “If you do not want to talk to the police, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111.” 🚗 Vehicle Crime Prevention Advice How to protect your vehicle and reduce the risk of theft
🔐 1. Always Secure Your Vehicle Many vehicle thefts occur because a car is left unlocked. Always lock your vehicle, even when leaving it for a moment.Double‑check using audible/visual locking cues if fitted.Activate automatic locking systems if your vehicle has them. 🏠 2. Park Safely & Securely Where and how you park greatly affects your risk. Use a garage if you have one and keep it locked. When away from home, choose Park Mark–approved car parks for better security. Avoid dark or isolated parking spots—choose well‑lit, busy areas.
🔑 3. Protect Your Keys Most modern vehicle thefts involve key access. Keep keys and fobs out of sight and away from doors and windows. For keyless entry vehicles, protect against relay theft by using a Faraday pouch and keeping software updated. Never leave keys in the ignition, even briefly.
👁️ 4. Don’t Leave Valuables on Display Thieves often break in for the contents, not the car itself. Remove valuables or lock them out of view. Police highlight this as one of the five golden rules. Even items like bags, coats or chargers can entice criminals.
🛡️ 5. Add Extra Security Measures Visible deterrents significantly reduce risk. Use steering‑wheel locks, gear‑lever locks, or wheel clamps. Install a vehicle tracking device to improve chances of recovery if stolen. Fit one‑way security screws to protect number plates.
📦 6. Reduce Opportunities for Theft From Vehicles Never leave items in plain sight—Police.uk emphasises this as core guidance. Keep glove compartments empty and open to show nothing is stored inside.When loading or unloading delivery vehicles, keep them locked between trips.
🏍️ 7. Protect Motorcycles, Mopeds & Bicycles Two‑wheel vehicles are disproportionately targeted. Use multiple locks and secure the bike to an immovable object.Police.uk lists motorcycle/scooter security as a key risk area with tailored advice.
👮 8. Police & National Initiatives Operation Handle: Officers patrol high‑risk areas, checking insecure cars and giving targeted security advice. This improves awareness and reduces theft‑from‑vehicle offences. National Vehicle Crime Reduction Partnership (NVCRP): A national collaboration between police, manufacturers and government to improve vehicle security, share intelligence and disrupt organised crime gangs.
🧠 9. Understand How Vehicle Thieves Operate Recent national insights show: Vehicle crime is often organised, with thieves targeting high‑value models and keyless systems. Criminals exploit relay devices, insecure parking, and opportunities such as visible valuables.Motorbike theft is rapidly increasing, driven by offenders seeking easy‑to‑steal targets.
✔️ Summary: Top 10 Tips Always lock your vehicle. Keep keys out of sight and use Faraday pouches for keyless vehicles. Park in secure, well‑lit areas or a locked garage.Remove all valuables from display. Use steering‑wheel locks or additional mechanical deterrents. Fit trackers and number‑plate security screws. Keep software and vehicle systems updated to reduce keyless vulnerabilities. Secure motorcycles and cycles using multiple locks. Make use of police initiatives such as Operation Handle. Stay informed through national partnerships like NVCRP. | 
