Brazen car thieves are dressing up in high-vis and posing as towaway crews to ... trends now
Car thieves in Britain are dressing up in high-visibility clothing and towing vehicles from driveways or roads using trucks in broad daylight, experts warned today.
Criminals are said to be 'stepping up their game' and becoming more brazen - with security experts reporting an 'alarming' rise in tow trucks being used in thefts.
Thieves are attempting to appear legitimate to passers-by or neighbours by posing as towaway crews which can also reduce the chances of them being caught.
Bryn Brooker, the head of road safety at dash cam firm Nextbase, told The Times: 'These are sophisticated professionals who know what they are doing.
'Their latest tactic is to use trucks to move a vehicle. It reduces the chance of them being caught and makes the whole operation faster.'
1) A thief with a tow truck places a hook to the front of a car in Golders Green, North London
2) The criminal then attaches the hook to the back of the tow truck in broad daylight
3) The thieves make a quick get away with the silver people carrier in tow as they drag it away
Criminals are known to often move a car a few miles to a secluded area and leave it for a period – knowing that it probably has a tracking system if it is retrieved.
If not, the thieves might change the numberplates before taking the car to a port and leaving the UK.
The Metropolitan Police has issued guidance for motorists to avoid becoming a victim of tow truck theft, saying: 'Thieves often attempt to lift vehicles from the street, literally.
'So, if you see a towaway crew acting suspiciously – especially if their vehicle isn't branded or if they're not in uniform – then please report it immediately.
'As with every report of suspicious behaviour made in good faith, we'll never blame anyone for calling us if it proves unfounded.'
Detectives also say car parks with height-restricted entrances help prevent illegal tow trucks and removal vehicles.
And they advise that a 'Thatcham'-rated category 1 or 2 alarm system with tracking, immobilisation, anti-grab and movement sensors can help protect and trace a
