The charity Crimestoppers has launched a new campaign in Essex encouraging people to give information anonymously about those responsible for vehicle theft.
The focus is to raise awareness of the crime, to prevent it from happening and to encourage local people to pass on what they know whilst staying completely anonymous.
Keyless vehicle theft, also known as ‘relay theft’, sees thieves stealing ‘keyless’ cars and vans to either sell on, strip for parts or to commit further crimes. These vehicle owners are encouraged to improve security by using equipment, such as steering locks, and a signal blocking pouch (a ‘Faraday bag’) to store keys.
Tips to protect vehicles include, where possible, turning the wireless signal off on keyless car fobs; using an On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) port protection cover or lock guard, as an OBD port can be accessed by thieves to start a vehicle; and arranging for a dealer or auto-electrician to relocate an OBD port or upgrading a car’s immobilisation system.
Essex vehicle theft campaign
Other crucial advice includes keeping car keys far away from doors, windows or any place where they can be seen or easily located, along with parking in garages or well-lit areas.
Crimestoppers, which is independent of the police, is asking the public to share anything 100% anonymously with them about the following:
those involved in vehicle thefts
where stolen vehicles are taken
the garages that are stripping cars and vans for parts
those selling parts or cloned vehicles
which technology thieves are using to identify targets; bypass car security and to prevent stolen cars from being located.
Philip Breckon, Eastern Regional Manager at the charity Crimestoppers, said: “We know vehicle theft causes lots of distress and inconvenience along with higher insurance premiums for all. These criminals are looking to make money quickly and they don’t care about the victims.
“Crimestoppers is appealing to the public for information about those involved in vehicle thefts, including those dealing with stolen parts and the locations of where the vehicles are being stored before they are sold or stripped down for parts.
“We can all work together to help reduce vehicle thefts across Essex. Our charity guarantees you stay totally anonymous. We’ve been passing on information about crime whilst guaranteeing anonymity since we were established decades ago. It’s a promise we’ve always kept. Help us to make your community safer and to stop crime by contacting us.”
Information can be given 100% anonymously to Crimestoppers, 365 days of the year, 24/7 by calling the UK-based Contact Centre on 0800 555 111. Alternatively, you can complete a safe and secure anonymous online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org or Fearless.org for young people.
In an emergency, always call 999.
Please note: Computer IP addresses are never traced, and no-one will ever know you contacted Crimestoppers or Fearless. For telephone calls, there is no caller line display, no 1471 facility and the charity has never traced a call.
