Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner, Matthew Barber, has pledged a hostile environment to those who seek to commit vehicle crime in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Milton Keynes as he launches a new strategy to tackle vehicle crime.  

Developed in partnership with Thames Valley Police, the Vehicle Crime Strategy aims to reduce harm and prevent offending with a focus on five key pillars; Prevention, Collaboration, Data and Intelligence, Enforcement and Trust and Confidence.

Matthew Barber said: “This strategy delivers on the commitments set out within my Police and Crime Plan to drive down vehicle crime across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Milton Keynes.

“Having your vehicle stolen, or something stolen from it, isn’t a trivial crime – it can result in substantial financial loss, emotional stress and, depending on where the theft took place, security and community safety concerns. 

“Whilst we have seen a reduction in vehicle crime across Thames Valley, with almost 2000 less incidents of theft from or theft of a motor vehicle in 2025 compared with 2024, there is more to do.

“This strategy places prevention at its core, alongside improved crime recording, closer collaboration with our partners and industry and a robust policing response.”

Jason Hogg, Chief Constable for Thames Valley Police, said: “Vehicle crime may appear opportunistic, but its impact on victims is significant, causing disruption, financial loss and a sense of intrusion.

“Although levels of vehicle crime have fallen across the Thames Valley, we recognise the importance of maintaining pressure on those who seek to offend and strengthening our ability to prevent crime before it occurs.

“The priorities of the Police and Crime Commissioner align closely with our operational approach. Together, we will make the Thames Valley an increasingly difficult environment for those intent on criminality, while supporting the individuals and communities we serve.” 

Matthew Barber added: “By working closely with Thames Valley Police and using the full breadth of tools and partnerships available to us, we will ensure that the Thames Valley remains a hostile place to those who seek to commit vehicle crime, protecting those who rely on their vehicles for their daily lives.”

The Vehicle Crime Strategy was launched today, Monday 18 May, at a tool marking event in Bracknell.

Tool marking for tradespeople is one of the key deliverables within the Vehicle Crime Strategy.

Tradespeople are significantly more likely to experience vehicle crime because their tools are seen as high-reward, low-risk targets for thieves. According to statistics from Wickes, 4 in 10 tradespeople have experienced tool theft across the UK.

Matthew Barber said: “Tool marking is one of the simplest ways tradespeople can protect themselves from tool theft.

“Since March, my office has distributed over 500 SelectaDNA tool marking kits to electricians, plumbers, carpenters and other traders across the Thames Valley, increasing the number of tools marked, making them less desirable to thieves and protecting more tradespeople’s tools and livelihoods.”

Download the full Vehicle Crime Strategy here.

Rolling data on vehicle crime (and other crime types) in Thames Valley is available via the PCC’s Data Hub.

Residents can also sign up to TV Alerts for regular crime updates, information about ongoing incidents and crime prevention advice relevant to their local area.

Images from today’s (Monday 18 May 2026) launch / tool marking event at Wickes, Western Road, Bracknell