What is it?
Vehicle crime has a serious financial and emotional impact on its victims but most vehicle crime is opportunistic, which means it is preventable. There are three main types of vehicle crime:
- Theft of a vehicle
- Theft from a vehicle
- Damage to a vehicle
What should I do if my vehicle is stolen?
In the event your vehicle is stolen – or you become the victim of another type of vehicle crime – dial 101 and ask to be put through to your local police. You will need your registration number and the make, model and colour of the vehicle. The operator will provide you with a crime reference number. It is important to make a note of this as your insurance company will need this information. The police will inform the DVLA about the theft and also if the vehicle is later found. Your insurer will explain the process of making a claim for a stolen a vehicle. If your insurance company pays out, you will need to complete the ‘notification of sale or transfer’ which is the V5C/3 section of your V5C registration certificate. This needs to be forwarded to the DVLA along with a covering letter explaining the details.
What can I do to prevent vehicle crime?
Vehicle crime can be avoided by removing opportunity. This means:
- Removing all valuable belongings from your vehicle. A handbag on a back seat is an open invitation to a thief.
- Removing portable satellite navigation systems including support cradles and suction pads.
- Closing and locking all windows and doors (including your sunroof)
- Removing all credit cards or cash from the glove compartment.
- Turning off Bluetooth on any electrical items as this can be used by a thief to target specific cars
Where can I get further crime prevention advice?
Please see organisations below for more information
Where can I get help?
The Police and Crime Commissioner funds organisations that provide support services for victims and witnesses in Derbyshire. These are free of charge and are available to anyone who lives in Derbyshire. For Vehicle Crime these support services are provided by Derbyshire Victim Services.
DERBYSHIRE VICTIM SERVICES
If you have ever been the victim of crime, or have been affected by a crime committed against someone close to you, Derbyshire Victim Services can provide all the help and support you need. Their local team offers a friendly, free and confidential service to anyone living in Derbyshire. It doesn’t matter if you reported the crime to the Police or not they are here to help you with any practical advice and emotional support.
0800 612 6505
TEXT ‘DVS’ TO 82228
support@dvssupport.org
Below are a range of other organisations that will be able to provide advice and support:
CRIMESTOPPERS
CrimeStoppers is an independent charity helping law enforcement to locate criminals and help solve crimes, through anonymous reporting. The site also provides crime prevention advice for a number of crimes.