Since the NVCRP was established in November 2024, the lead Mark Kameen has been working alongside key partners Opal SOAC and NaVCIS to shift the mindset on how to tackle vehicle crime effectively moving forwards.

The simple fact is that vehicle crime has changed, it is now a highly sophisticated, complex and global enterprise involving sophisticated organised crime groups. It is no longer the preserve of an opportunistic local criminal trying car doors and hotwiring vehicles. To tackle a modern crime type we need modern thinking and a different approach.

Working with manufacturers and others to fund, design and build an enhanced response to vehicle crime is a key priority for the NVCRP and so far the response from automotive manufacturers has been extremely positive.

This month, Mark attended a partnership stakeholder meeting at Toyota Motor Corporation HQ in Burnaston, Derby, to design a training/awareness raising package for policing on prevention and detection of organised vehicle crime aimed at frontline police officers and staff.

Representatives from Toyota, Jaguar Land Rover, NaVCIS, Opal SOAC and Tracker UK Ltd came together to pool their collective experience and ideas to develop the training package which will be rolled out nationally later in the year. This training is intended to compliment and support the more in-depth training that is available and delivered through the Police Crime Prevention Academy. Further updates to follow soon.

A second priority for the NVCRP is to continue to meet with the Home Officer and wider policing to talk about vehicle crime and how we can better tackle the issue. Mark travelled to London to take part in a valuable round table discussion focused on strengthening collaboration between the motor insurance industry and law enforcement in response to serious and organised vehicle crime.

Hosted by the National Police Chiefs' Council and the Home Office, the event brought together a wide range of partners, all eager to share ideas, build relationships, and identify opportunities to work more closely together. There was a real sense of shared purpose in the room, with everyone committed to  enhancing the national response to vehicle crime through better coordination, innovation, and joint action. This is exactly the kind of partnership approach that drives lasting impact.

In addition to the automotive industry and Home Office, the NVCRP are working with partners in the security industry to enhance crime prevention measures and raise awareness of what more people car do to protect their vehicles. Mark was invited to present at the Selectamark conference in Liverpool, alongside presentations from Head of Opal SOAC, James Taylor, and colleagues from police forces and industry partners across the country. It was a highly successful event, featuring insightful, engaging, and valuable presentations that encouraged collaboration and fresh thinking across the security sector.

Other key events in July included the NVCRP presenting to senior police leaders at West Yorkshire regarding raising awareness of and opportunities to work with the NVCRP and another London meeting this time with the Safer Business Network Operations Manager, Adam Ratcliffe and the CEO, Hannah Wadey and Andy Wood, Project Lead for the NICRP - to discuss future opportunities for the Partnership and progress to date.

The NVCRP has been fortunate to have the ongoing support of the NPCC lead for vehicle crime Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims. Jenny is retiring from policing later in the year and Mark arranged to interview Jenny about her work to tackle vehicle crime, the role of the NVCRP and what she hopes to see moving forwards with public and private sector partnerships. The interview is currently being edited but will be released on the NVCRP website and LinkedIn channel in the next few weeks.

Please follow us on LinkedIn @NVCRP to see it first and to keep up to date with all the latest NVCRP news!!