Community Constables – Petty crime increasing in driveways

Recently there has been an increase in thefts from driveways and parked vehicles in our area. Incidents include petrol being siphoned, vehicles being entered and rummaged through, items taken from inside cars or sometimes, the vehicle itself. While most incidents occur overnight, they can happen at any time.

First and foremost, it is always recommended to report the incident to Police. Even when an individual case cannot be fully investigated, reports help build a clearer crime picture for the neighbourhood and guide targeted prevention efforts.

Practical steps to reduce risk:

Lock your vehicle and double-check that all doors and windows are secure.

Remove valuables from sight; store bags, electronics, and other items out of view or take them inside (I recommend double checking yourself, you’d be surprised what you can see outside a vehicle when really looking). 

Position vehicles where cameras can see them; install a security camera that covers the driveway and, if possible, the road.

Ensure cameras are recording and powered; many enquiries fail because footage was not being captured.

Install or turn on your motion-activated lighting to deter opportunistic offenders.

Avoid placing cameras directly under bright sensor lights as glare can reduce footage quality.

Consider lockable fuel caps to prevent petrol theft.

Reporting incidents and staying vigilant helps protect you and your neighbours. If you notice suspicious activity, contact Police and encourage others in the community to do the same.