Car crime in Herts: Stolen vehicle reported to police every three-and-a-half hours on average in 2024

A stolen vehicle was reported to police in Hertfordshire every three-and-a-half hours on average in 2024.

The 2,452 thefts across the county last year – many of them high-value keyless vehicles – was 252 more than the 2,200 in 2023, a rise of 11.45%.

The 268 offences in East Herts represented a jump of 26 (10.74%) on the 242 the year before. But increases were much more marked in the neighbouring districts of Welwyn Hatfield (30.9%), North Herts (30.6%) and Broxbourne (22.1%).

In two of the 10 police districts in Hertfordshire vehicle thefts were down compared with 2023: Stevenage (21.2%) and Three Rivers (14.3%).

Detective Chief Inspector Luke Whinnett, from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s local policing command, said: “Keyless entry vehicles have increasingly been targeted this year, particularly in some parts of the county. Many of the vehicles stolen have been targeted by organised crime gangs who steal higher-value vehicles to ship them overseas.

“We are advising owners of keyless vehicles to use additional security measures, such as good quality steering wheel locks, which are a great deterrent.

“If you have a keyless entry vehicle, use a signal-blocking fob pouch (Faraday bag) and keep fobs and any spare keys in a metal box when not in use, so that criminals can’t use signal relay devices to unlock and start your vehicle remotely.”

Over the last two years, Hertfordshire police have been targeting organised crime groups, who have committed dozens of vehicle thefts. More than 30 thieves believed to be responsible for over 200 offences have been prosecuted since 2022.

How to minimise the chance of becoming a victim

• Lock your car whenever it is left unattended and keep it in a garage at night if possible.

• At home, keep your keyless car fob (and the spare) well away from the car, and put them in a screened or signal-blocking pouch, such as a Faraday bag.

• An approved, strong, full-cover steering wheel lock prevents theft, even if the vehicle security system is bypassed.

• Reprogramme your key fobs if you buy a second-hand car.

• Turn off wireless signals on your fob when it’s not being used.

• Never leave your vehicle unattended with the engine running, even if you are absent for only a moment.

• Fit CCTV covering your home and driveway to help deter thieves.

• Use PIR or LED security lighting to make your vehicle more visible as this can also act as a deterrent.

• Always use a car park that is accredited with the police-approved “Park Mark” scheme.

• Noisy gravel on your drive can help deter a would-be thief, as they don’t want to alert you to their approach.

• Never leave valuable items or tools on display in your vehicle as this may encourage a thief to break in.

• For security products for your vehicles search the ‘accredited products’ page on the Secured by Design website, a police-approved website.

For more advice, visit www.herts.police.uk/potectyourvehicle.

You can report information about crime online at www.herts.police.uk/report, speak to an operator in the force communications room via online web chat at www.herts.police.uk/contact or call non-emergency number 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency.

You can report vehicle crime anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via the independent charity’s untraceable online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.