Rise in Armed Vehicle Thefts Across the City Prompts Police Warning

The Metropolitan Police is urging motorists to remain vigilant following a recent increase in armed vehicle thefts reported across the city. Over the past week, several incidents have occurred in high traffic areas, with offenders targeting drivers at fuel stations, residential streets, and roadside lay-bys.

According to early intelligence assessments, the suspects are operating as a coordinated group, often approaching vehicles while armed and using threats of violence to force drivers out of their cars. Once stolen, the vehicles are believed to be moved quickly to secondary locations or used in further criminal activity, including dangerous driving and attempted robberies.

Roads and Transport Policing Command, alongside Emergency Response Team units, have increased patrols in key locations and are actively working to identify, disrupt, and arrest those responsible. Officers are encouraging members of the public to report suspicious behaviour immediately, remain aware of their surroundings when entering or exiting their vehicles, and avoid leaving engines running while unattended.

A spokesperson for RTPC stated,
“We are treating this rise in vehicle thefts extremely seriously. These offenders present a clear danger to the public and to our officers. Increased proactive patrols and targeted operations are already underway to identify the individuals involved and bring them into custody.”

Anyone with dashcam footage or information relating to recent incidents is asked to contact the Metropolitan Police via 101 or through the confidential CrimeStoppers line.

Further updates will follow as the investigation develops.