70 Volkswagen badges stolen in four-day south-east London crime spree

Around 70 Volkswagen vehicles had badges and radar sensors stolen in a four-day crime spree across south-east London. The Metropolitan Police confirmed the thefts took place between 15 and 19 July on 29 roads in six neighbourhoods, including Lewisham, Catford and Forest Hill.

Organised thefts reported by residents

Residents told The Times that the thefts appeared highly organised. Giorgina Tomlin, from Nunhead, said her Volkswagen T-Roc was targeted on 18 July, just six weeks after she bought it. She reported that four other vehicles on her road were also hit the same night.

Tomlin said a friend saw a drone in the area the night before the thefts. She told The Times, "It was highly organised, they knew exactly where every car was, so they'd obviously scoped it out previously."

Graham Dunn, 34, whose Volkswagen Tiguan was targeted on the same night, provided CCTV footage to police. He said the theft was carried out by two people on Lime bikes and took less than five seconds. Dunn described the area as "harvested" by the thieves.

Police appeal for information

Police Constable Olly Rutherford, who is leading the investigation, said the force is aware of the thefts and that inquiries are continuing. He said, "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."

Rutherford urged anyone who has not yet reported a theft or has additional information to contact the police. Volkswagen has not commented on the thefts, as reported by MyLondon.

What happens next

The Metropolitan Police investigation is ongoing. Residents who believe their vehicle was targeted are asked to report the incident to police. No arrests have been confirmed, and it is unclear whether any stolen items have been recovered.