Theft from cars and other vehicles has doubled in the Streatham South area over the past three months compared to the same period last year, new figures have shown.
Police recorded 40 thefts from motor vehicles between May and September, up from 19 over the same period last year.
Sergeant Mark Brindley, of the Streatham South safer neighbourhood team, said: “The majority of crimes reported in this area involved the theft of numberplates. “This can be avoided through the use of fitting anti-tamper screws to your numberplate.”
The team conducted patrols in plain clothes to catch criminals red-handed and worked to create a visible presence and raise awareness of the dangers.
Police said they are also cracking down on street drinking – 21 alcohol seizures have taken place since May – by taking advantage of powers to confiscate alcohol if someone is drunk in public.
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