A Message from PCSO Millichap: Protecting Your Van from Theft

Good afternoon, hope you're well. 

I've noticed reports of an increase in Ford Transit van thefts just over the border in the West Midlands. While we haven't seen the same levels locally, I'd rather help people take a few simple precautions now than deal with the consequences later.

If you own a van, especially a Ford Transit, I'd encourage you to have a quick look at your vehicle security. A few small steps can make a big difference:

🔒 Park smart
Whenever possible, park in a well-lit, busy area or somewhere covered by CCTV. A locked garage or private driveway is even better.

🔑 Protect your keys
Keep your vehicle keys in a Faraday pouch when they're not being used. This helps prevent relay theft, where thieves can intercept signals from keyless entry systems.

🛠️ Don't leave tools on display overnight
Tools are often as attractive to thieves as the vehicle itself. If possible, remove them at the end of the day or secure them in lockable internal storage.

🚐 Use visible security devices
Steering wheel locks, wheel clamps and quality alarms are great deterrents. Thieves will often move on if they see a vehicle that requires extra effort to steal.

📍 Consider fitting a tracker
A hidden or hardwired tracker can significantly improve the chances of recovering your van should the worst happen.

As always, please keep an eye out for anything suspicious in your area and report any concerns to us via 101, or 999 in an emergency.

I'd also encourage you to share any suspicious activity with your local Neighbourhood Watch group. By keeping each other informed, we can help our community stay aware of emerging issues and take preventative measures before offences occur.

Crime prevention is most effective when we all work together.

Many thanks as always. 

PCSO Phillip Millichap 28983