Dear Resident,

We have received report of vehicle crime. Please read the below information.

 Cliveden Avenue – Theft of a motor vehicle. 

Between 9pm on 29/01/2024 and 12:30pm on 30/01/2024, unknown persons approached a secure, parked and unattended Suzuki Swift. Offenders gained entry to vehicle and stole vehicle by unknown means. No description of offender.

We understand everyone living in the area is concerned and the Perry Barr Neighbourhood Team will be patrolling the area.

We need your help, if you saw or heard anything or have any other information please get in touch by replying to this message or contacting us on our live chat facility.

Catalytic converters 

 - Speak to your manufacturer’s main dealer regarding security products available for your vehicle.
 - Mark catalytic converters with a uniquely coded security product specifically designed for marking catalytic converters. Display the warning stickers supplied take manufacturers advice, but think about fitting a protection device made specifically to cover the catalytic converter.
- An example is catloc, which has been tested by Sold Secure and approved by Secured by design.
 - Use your vehicle's alarm or install a Thatcham approved alarm. The alarm should detect and activate if the vehicle is tilted or lifted.
- If you can, park vehicles to prevent access underneath. This may be difficult in certain circumstances, and we know it's not always an option.

Don't be a sucker –

Sat Navs, Laptops and even loose change can attract opportunist thieves, so make sure that all valuables are removed from your vehicle before leaving it. Don't just leave them in the glove box - it's often the first place that criminals will look. When removing your sat nav, make sure to wipe away the suction mark left on the windscreen - this is a tell-tale sign to a criminal that a device may be in the vehicle.

Lock it or lose it -


It only takes a thief seconds to enter your car, so whether you are popping into the shops or de-icing your vehicle - always remove your keys. Likewise it is important that you remember to lock your vehicle and activate your alarm or immobiliser if you have one.


Don't park dark -


Criminals love using the cover of darkness, so try to park in well lit, open areas. If you have a driveway or garage, make sure you use it. It's better than leaving your car on the road, it also makes it more difficult for prospective criminals. If you are out then try to find a secure car park, many of which are identified by the 'Park Mark' icon. For more information visit www.parkmark.co.uk.


For crime prevention advice on vehicle crime please click the below link.


https://www.west-midlands.police.uk/advice-centre/crime-reduction/vehicle-security/index.aspx


Kind regards


Sam