70 Volkswagen parts stolen in Lewisham and south east London spree
Police appeal for witnesses after thieves target radar sensors and badges across 29 roads
Incident → evidence → outcomeThieves removed front badges and radar sensors from around 70 Volkswagen vehicles in south east London over five days in July. The thefts took place on 29 roads across Lewisham, Catford, Forest Hill, Ladywell, Honor Oak and East Dulwich between 15 and 19 July.
Giorgina Tomlin, a resident of Nunhead, told The Times her six-week-old Volkswagen T-Roc was targeted on 18 July. She described the operation as highly organised, with thieves appearing to know the locations of vehicles in advance.
Police appeal for information
Police Constable Olly Rutherford, who is leading the investigation, said around 70 thefts are believed to have occurred. Officers are pursuing lines of inquiry and have urged anyone who believes they have been affected to report it.
“We are aware of a number of incidents in south-east London over recent weeks in which car badges including the vehicle’s radar sensors have been stolen. At this stage, around 70 thefts are believed to have taken place.”
Rutherford added that anyone with information not yet shared with police should contact them as soon as possible. The appeal follows reports of a drone spotted in the area the night before the thefts, though police have not confirmed its involvement.
What happens next
The Metropolitan Police investigation remains ongoing. Residents who believe their vehicle was targeted are asked to report the incident to police. No arrests have been made at this stage.
Questions this report answers
01How many Volkswagen vehicles were targeted in the thefts?
Police believe around 70 Volkswagen vehicles had front badges and radar sensors stolen between 15 and 19 July. The thefts occurred across 29 roads in Lewisham and surrounding areas.
02Which areas were affected by the thefts?
The thefts took place in Catford, Forest Hill, Ladywell, Honor Oak, East Dulwich and Lewisham. Police confirmed the incidents occurred on 29 roads in these areas.
03What should I do if my vehicle was targeted?
The Metropolitan Police have asked anyone who believes their vehicle was targeted to report the incident. Victims can contact police to provide details as inquiries continue.
04Have police made any arrests?
No arrests have been made at this stage. Police Constable Olly Rutherford said inquiries are ongoing and urged anyone with information to come forward.
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