GMP Stolen Vehicle Examiner gives out crime prevention advice as part of Op Acquire to help keep vehicles safe this summer

GMP’s stolen vehicle examination unit (SVEU) is home to a number of police staff who as a unit have over 140 years’ combined experience in the motor industry.

Stolen cars and finding those responsible, remains a GMP force priority with operations running across all districts in Greater Manchester, with a collective goal; to crackdown on offenders who are stealing vehicles which are often sold on, broken into parts or used to commit further offences.

The SVEU are responsible for examining vehicles that are recovered by police officers which are either suspected stolen, have no insurance or have had their identities altered.

The unit is an extremely important resource in GMP, with each member of the team holding an exceptionally high degree of skill, knowledge and experience in detecting stolen cars or parts by carefully examining them which assist in bringing offenders to justice.

Luke, who works in the VEU, is sharing his top tips on how to keep your vehicles safe from theft this summer. He said: “A lot of the stolen vehicles we see are a product of recent burglaries where car keys have been taken. Offenders are either breaking in and taking the vehicle keys, or they’re using technology to get past it such as relay signal boosters.

“A lot of stolen vehicles make their way to either be chopped up into parts and sold, or resold in another country.

 “I want to urge any car owner to be vigilant. It goes without saying, make sure nothing is in view when leaving your car – criminals can see what’s inside and will find a way to break in if they really want the contents or even the vehicle itself.

“Basic things like making sure all doors, windows and sunroofs are locked and secure can really make a difference to the security of your vehicle.

“Never leave keys in a car either, even if you are only going out for a short while. With keyless vehicles, one of the best things you can do is buy a Faraday pouch, which can be bought online for a small cost. The key sits in the bag and stops the signal that the key emits, which means that it can’t be picked up by devices that criminals illegally use to open the doors and start vehicles.

“Steering locks are a huge visible deterrent. Criminals will often take a look at it and walk away because of the time and effort it takes to get it off. Most thefts of vehicles are quick and can be done in seconds so anything to reduce how fast they can steal will help.

“Some car owners also have ghost immobilisers fitted which means they have their own unique code to start a car such as pressing different buttons in a certain sequence that’s specific to that vehicle. There is no way for criminals can start the car without knowing the code.”

“Thefts of number plates is also common as they’re often swapped by criminals after they’ve stolen a car. Number plates can be secured on properly which can be done by using anti-theft screws.

“If you have a garage, please use it for your car as less than 1% of stolen vehicles are taken from a garage.

"Officers and intelligence staff constantly monitor the number of burglaries and robberies across Greater Manchester, and information continues to be gathered and acted upon. Specialist teams from across GMP work together to deter, disrupt and dismantle organised criminal groups on a daily basis."

GMP's stolen vehicle examiner Luke Jackson 

GMP will continue to work tirelessly to bring offenders to justice, but we need your help by acting on our advice, which can be found on our website or by following Luke’s expertise above.

Anyone with information about car thefts or anyone who believes suspicious activity is taking place at premises' that may be a ‘chop shop’ can report it online or via LiveChat at www.gmp.police.uk or alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.