Analysis shows the borough had the sixth-highest rate in England and Wales last year, reports Kinga Plata

Petrol stations in Enfield were among the worst for vehicle crime in England and Wales in 2023, a new study shows.
Metropolitan Police data show there were 91 such crimes at Enfield petrol stations last year, an average of seven per month – placing the borough sixth nationwide and fourth in London.
A vehicle crime refers to instances of ‘theft from or of a vehicle, or interference with a vehicle’.
The study of national police data by number plate supplier Regtransfers showed that more than 366,600 crimes were reported to police in England and Wales in 2023, with a total of 111,887 vehicle crimes taking place in London – a third of all that were reported last year.
However, vehicle crime at petrol stations is relatively low as only 4,106 crimes were reported across England and Wales last year, representing 1.1%. According to Regtransfers CEO Mark Trimbee, this is most likely due to the constant flow of activity around petrol stations making it more difficult for opportunists to strike.
Trimbee said: “Petrol stations aren’t an easy target for thieves, but as the data shows, thefts can – and do – happen while we’re filling up our tanks. Keeping your car safe doesn’t need to be a costly or taxing endeavour, but there are certainly some steps you should take to reduce your chances of being stung.
“Where possible, keep your car locked when you’re at the pump, and don’t let your keys hang out or be seen in places where they shouldn’t be. When it comes to additional tech, things like dash-cams, signal-blocking pouches for keyless entry fobs, and tracking devices can offer great security measures.
“Don’t forget to keep an eye out when you’re around your car and lock up as soon as you get in. It’s all about being smart and staying one step ahead.”
London Assembly member Unmesh Desai recently accused the government of underfunding the Met Police which he claims has been forced to ignore and not investigate some crimes. According to Desai’s analysis some 66% of thefts from motor vehicles, 57% of bicycle thefts and 31% of arson offences in the capital were “screened out” by police between January and September last year.
Desai said: “The government needs to properly fund our police services and, until then, police leadership needs to be frank with the public about what crimes they’re screening out and why.”
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