Dear Residents. 

I want to make you aware of a recent rise in thefts of vehicles in the North of the county, particularly in Ford Rangers as well as Mercedes. Please take extra precautions to secure your vehicles, especially if you own either of these makes or models. 

Motorists should:

- Park in a garage, secure car park or well-lit area covered by CCTV if possible. Consider using a steering wheel or handbrake lock to deter thieves.

- Check if any entry fobs can be turned off overnight and store them away from any household entry points. Make sure you don't leave your car keys visible from the outside of your home.

- Drivers can also store their fobs in special foil-lined bags which can be bought from retailers, to prevent any unwanted communication between the vehicle and its keys.

- Consider having windows etched with the vehicle registration number or use an invisible ink marker pen to mark these details and your postcode on the underside frame of the vehicle. 

Further advice on the prevention of vehicle thefts can be found at the following link:

https://www.kent.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/keeping-vehicles-safe/preventing-car-vehicle-theft/

Please remain vigilant and ensure that anything you believe necessary is reported to the police via:

999 - Emergency/Crime in progress.

101/Online reporting - Non emergency.

Kind regards,

PC Connor Geelan.

Beat Officer - Capel & Paddock Wood.