Thieves steal 70 Volkswagen badges in four-day south London spree 'after using drones to scope out their victims'

Published: 18:27, 8 August 2026 | Updated: 18:27, 8 August 2026 Thieves stole 70 Volkswagen badges in a four-day south London spree 'after using drones to scope out their victims'.     Video doorbell and CCTV footage captured the thieves stealing the sensors kept behind the VW emblem on the bonnet. Victims were led to believe the thieves were assessing their vehicles after seeing and hearing drones in the area in the days leading up to the thefts. The thieves harvested between 70 and 100 Volkswagen front badges and radar sensors across 29 roads in southeast London over a four days (July 15-19).  Perpetrators on Lime bikes executed the thefts in under five seconds per car.   The stolen parts, used for Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), cost around £2,000 to replace. Victims and local officials, including Southwark Mayor Claire Sheppard, criticised Volkswagen, calling the placement behind the emblem a 'design flaw.'  They argued that VW should cover 100% of the replacement costs and retrofit affected vehicles.  Thieves harvested between 70 Volkswagen front badges and radar sensors across 29 roads in southeast London over a four-day period  She said: 'If it costs £2,000 to get it fixed, that's still £600 you've got to find, and who in this day and age has got a spare £600? I certainly don't … That's a good chunk of change for them isn't it?  VW offered a 70% discount for replacement parts on a case-by-case basis through retailers.  They noted that newer models have relocated the radar sensor away from the badge, though they characterized the thefts as a 'localised issue.'  Met police officer, Olly Rutherford, confirmed around 70 thefts are believed to have taken place across southeast London.  He said: 'We are aware of a number of incidents in southeast London over recent weeks, in which car badges including the vehicle's radar sensors have been stolen,' he said. 'Inquiries remain under way, and we would ask anyone else who believes they have been a victim of this type of crime to report the details to us. 'Similarly, anyone who has information which has not yet been shared with police is asked to get in touch with us as soon as possible.'   The Metropolitan Police has urged people to come forward if they are yet to make a report.  A VW spokesman said: 'We take vehicle security very seriously and work with industry bodies to ensure that our products always meet the highest standards while, of course, product lifecycle developments can result in enhancements and improvements throughout our vehicles.