Vehicle Crime

Most vehicle crime is opportunistic and therefore preventable. By following some straightforward advice, and working together, we can ensure that this type of crime keeps falling. In Wealden we have already had success in reducing vehicle crime, however we need to remain vigilant.

What we’re doing about vehicle crime:

Spreading the message to secure your motor vehicle

The Partnership regularly runs media campaigns in newspapers and holds crime prevention stalls at Farmers' Markets across the District with the aim of helping you to avoid becoming the victim of car crime.

Beauty Spots

There is also an ongoing operation, mainly in the Ashdown Forest and other beauty spots in Wealden, raising awareness of the increased risk in these areas of theft from your motor vehicle.

Criminal Damage

Another area of concern is the Criminal Damage to vehicles, especially to wing mirrors. Red Routes home from entertainment and licensed venues have been targeted with leaflet drops advising car owners to fold in their wing mirrors to avoid damage.

Nothing of Value Cards

'Nothing Of Value Has Been Left In This Vehicle' cards have been developed and widely distributed throughout Wealden, hopefully deterring the opportunist criminal, but more importantly as a reminder to car drivers not to leave any valuable items in the car, including in the boot. You can download a 'Nothing Of Value Has Been Left In This Vehicle' (pdf, 122kb) card, or contact us and we'll send one to you.

GPS Tracking Equipment

The Safer Wealden Partnership has shown the lead in using advanced GPS tracking technology for catching car criminals. A variety of tracking equipment has been left in 'bait' vehicles waiting for potential thieves. Once the equipment or vehicle is stolen, the GPS tracking system is activated. This allows Police to track the exact location of the equipment or vehicle. Covert cameras are also used to assist with gathering evidence for prosecution.

To help reduce your chances of becoming a victim of vehicle crime, read our top tips:

Don't leave items on display
Never leave anything on display when you leave your vehicle. Even an old coat or a plastic bag can tempt a thief.
Use immobilisers
Electronic engine immobilisers prevent your vehicle from starting and are the best way to stop thieves. They should be professionally fitted - either by your car dealer or by an installer approved by the Vehicle Systems Installation Board.
Park safely
When parking at home, always use your garage if you have one, and lock both your vehicle and your garage. If you don't have a garage, try to park in a well-lit, open place.
Use car parks
When parking outside, always try and park your car in an attended car park.
Buy a steering wheel lock
Use a steering wheel lock every time you leave your vehicle.
Get an alarm fitted
Alarms can deter thieves not only from stealing your vehicle, but also from taking items from it.
Secure your wheels
Locking wheel nuts are cheap, easy to fit and stop thieves from taking your wheels.
Etch your vehicle identification number onto surfaces
Have your vehicle registration number or the last seven digits of your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) etched onto all windows, both windscreens and your headlamps.
Secure your number-plate
Use tamper-proof screws to secure your number plate; these can be obtained free of charge at Police Stations throughout Wealden.
Mark your equipment
Mark all your equipment, like your car stereo, with your vehicle registration number.
Wing mirrors
Fold your wing mirrors in and retract your aerials.

Some of the advice may sound obvious, but it could make all the difference if you follow it consistently.