🚗🛠️ PCC launches vehicle crime and tool theft awareness campaign

Hi Resident,

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, we are 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.”

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