Vehicle crime

Have you experienced vehicle crime?

Vehicle crime refers to offences involving cars, vans, motorcycles or other vehicles. This can include:

  • Theft of a vehicle
  • Theft from a vehicle
  • Criminal damage to a vehicle

How you might be feeling

Being affected by vehicle crime can be upsetting and disruptive. For some people, it may feel like a violation of their personal space or security.

You might feel:

  • Shocked or angry about what happened
  • Frustrated by the disruption to your daily routine
  • Worried about the cost of repairs or replacement
  • Anxious if the vehicle was damaged at your home
  • Upset if items with sentimental value were taken

These reactions are common. Support is available if you would like someone to talk to or need help after what has happened.

Get the help you need

If you would like information, advice or emotional support, call us on 0800 876 6155. We can listen to what has happened and help you understand what support options are available.

You can get support whether or not you’ve reported what happened to the police.

Reporting vehicle crime and what to do next

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999.

To report fraud or a non-emergency incident, you can:

You can also share information anonymously through Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers is a charity that is independent of the police.

What you’ll need:

When reporting, it may help to have:

  • Vehicle registration number
  • Make, model and colour
  • Details of what was stolen or damaged

You’ll receive a crime reference number. Keep a record of this, as you may need it for your insurance claims.

Next steps:

Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible. They can support you with repairs, recovery or replacement of the vehicle.