Greenford resident shares CCTV of man checking parked cars in early hours

A Greenford resident has shared CCTV footage that appears to show a man walking along a residential street in the early hours and going from one parked car to the next.

The footage, shared with UB1UB2, was filmed at night on a road of terraced houses with cars parked along the kerb. A figure in dark clothing and light-coloured trainers can be seen walking close beside the vehicles.

The resident, who asked not to be named, said people have been trying to break into cars on the street almost every night, usually between midnight and 3am. They did not name the street.

What is and isn't known

It is not known who the man in the footage is, or whether he got into or damaged any vehicles. His face has been blurred for that reason.

The Metropolitan Police have not confirmed any reports linked to the footage, and it is not known whether the incidents the resident describes have been reported to the police.

Greenford is covered by several Metropolitan Police Safer Neighbourhood Teams, including Greenford Broadway, North Greenford and Central Greenford. Each publishes crime figures and local priorities on the Met's website.

How to protect your car

The Metropolitan Police advise drivers to always lock their vehicle and close all windows and sunroofs, even when parking outside their own home for a short time.

The force also advises never leaving valuables on show inside a car, including bags, coats, phones, sat-navs and charging cables, because even empty bags can attract thieves.

For cars with keyless entry, police recommend keeping keys well away from front doors and windows, and storing key fobs in a signal-blocking Faraday pouch. This makes it harder for criminals to use relay devices to unlock and start a vehicle.

Residents with doorbell cameras or home CCTV are encouraged to keep any footage of suspicious activity, as it can help officers if a crime is reported.

Reporting suspicious activity

If you see someone trying car doors or tampering with vehicles while it is happening, call 999. To report a crime after the event, or to pass on information, call the police on 101 or report online through the Metropolitan Police website.

Information can also be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Reporting every incident, including attempted break-ins where nothing was taken, helps local Safer Neighbourhood Teams see patterns and decide where to send patrols.