A fresh crackdown on vehicle crime in the Oxfordshire area is under way.
A new strategy has been unveiled by Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Barber, who has promised to make the Thames Valley a "hostile environment" for criminals targeting vehicles.
The Vehicle Crime Strategy aims to reduce harm and prevent offences, focusing on five key areas: prevention, collaboration, data and intelligence, enforcement, and building public trust and confidence.
Mr Barber said: "This strategy delivers on the commitments set out within my Police and Crime Plan to drive down vehicle crime across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, and Milton Keynes.
"Having your vehicle stolen, or something stolen from it, isn’t a trivial crime – it can result in substantial financial loss, emotional stress and, depending on where the theft took place, security and community safety concerns.
"Whilst we have seen a reduction in vehicle crime across Thames Valley, with almost 2000 less incidents of theft from or theft of a motor vehicle in 2025 compared with 2024, there is more to do."
The strategy includes improved crime recording, stronger partnerships, and focused policing activity.
Chief Constable Jason Hogg of Thames Valley Police said: "Vehicle crime may appear opportunistic, but its impact on victims is significant, causing disruption, financial loss, and a sense of intrusion.
"Although levels of vehicle crime have fallen across the Thames Valley, we recognise the importance of maintaining pressure on those who seek to offend and strengthening our ability to prevent crime before it occurs."
The strategy was officially launched on Monday, May 18 at a tool marking event in Bracknell.
Tool marking for tradespeople is one of the key actions in the plan, as tradespeople are especially vulnerable due to the high value and portability of their tools.
According to Wickes, four in 10 UK tradespeople have experienced tool theft.
Mr Barber said: "Tool marking is one of the simplest ways tradespeople can protect themselves from tool theft.
"Since March, my office has distributed over 500 SelectaDNA tool marking kits to electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and other traders across the Thames Valley, increasing the number of tools marked, making them less desirable to thieves and protecting more tradespeople’s tools and livelihoods."
Mr Barber said that close collaboration with police and partners would help ensure the Thames Valley remains a hostile environment for vehicle crime, protecting those who rely on their vehicles daily.
Residents can access rolling data on vehicle crime and other offences via the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Data Hub, and sign up for TV Alerts to receive regular crime updates and prevention advice for their area.
