Having your vehicle stolen or something stolen from it isn’t just an inconvenience, it can also result in financial loss, emotional stress and, depending on where the theft took place, security and community safety concerns

In the 12 months to the end of August this year, there have been 3,496 vehicle thefts and 6,666 thefts from vehicles in the Thames Valley.   

To help address this, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner is working with Thames Valley Police and partners, retailers and hoteliers on a campaign to raise awareness of precautions residents can take to help reduce the risk.

Announcing the campaign, PCC Matthew Barber said: “This dedicated crime prevention campaign, in support of ongoing policing activity, aims to inform residents about how to keep vehicles and tools safe from criminals.

“Vehicle crime is currently down in the Thames Valley compared to last year. However, I want this trend to continue which is why it remains a priority in my Police and Crime Plan. Vehicle crime has a significant impact on victims and on feelings of safety in our communities which undermines public confidence.

“The campaign will consist of a clear car advice posters and literature with more detailed advice and guidance, which will be distributed through our partners and stakeholders. In addition we will host a number of tool marking events providing tradespeople an opportunity to speak to industry experts and have their tools protectively marked, improving the chances of them being returned in the event that they are stolen.

“Of course, crime prevention forms only one part of tacking vehicle crime and over the coming months I will be publishing a Vehicle Crime Strategy detailing a coordinated approach and policing response.”

In the 12 months to the end of August, Thames Valley has seen an overall downward trend in the levels of recorded vehicle crime. In particular, the number of ‘theft from’ vehicle incidents have fallen by over 100* from the previous 12 month period.

Over the coming months, residents can expect to see clear car posters in a number of hotspot locations (including Park and Rides, shopping centre car parks and hotels) as well as an opportunity for tradespeople to attend a number of in-person tool marking events.

Alongside this activity, the Office of the Police & Crime Commissioner will be sharing a host of ongoing crime prevention advice across its channels. These will be aimed at all vehicle owners including motorcycle owners.

For further information, including details on how retailers and hoteliers can get involved in supporting the campaign, please visit the campaign webpage.