CT1 × Metropolitan Police - Pilot Scheme 2026
PROTECT YOUR
TRADEVAN
A police-backed security initiative giving UK tradespeople tamper-proof vehicle identification — free, fast, and built to deter theft.
- CT1 Vehicle Watch Scheme
- Metropolitan Police Backed
- Free for Eligible Tradespeople
- Tamper-Proof Security Sticker
- No Vehicle Tracking
- London Pilot Scheme
TimeD And
NON-Timed
Labels
Timed
Label
A Timed Label is designed for vehicles that should not normally be on the road overnight.
If a vehicle displays a Timed Label, it clearly indicates that the vehicle may be stopped by police if seen on the road between 22:00 and 04:00.
Best suited for:
- Trade vehicles parked overnight
- Fleet vehicles with fixed working hours
- Vehicles not authorised for night-time use
Non-Timed
Label
A Non-Timed Label provides Vehicle Watch identification without applying a specific overnight time restriction.
This option is suitable for vehicles that may legitimately operate at different times of the day or night.
Best suited for:
- Emergency or call-out vehicles
- Vehicles with variable working hours
- Trade vehicles used outside standard hours
£3k+
Average loss per van theft
1 in 3
Tradespeople targeted every year
3 days
Average work disruption
23–04
Peak theft window each night
WATCH:
HOW IT WORKS
See Metropolitan Police officers and real participating tradespeople explain exactly how the scheme protects vehicles — and why they joined.
VAN THEFT
IS COSTING
YOU
For UK tradespeople, a single night of van theft can mean thousands lost, days off work, and clients let down. The tools are your livelihood. The van is your business. And thieves know exactly when and how to strike.
- Lost income from jobs you can't attend or complete
- Costly replacement of specialist tools and equipment
- Disruption to ongoing client work and contracts
- Insurance claims leading to higher premiums
- The stress and anxiety of feeling unprotected
THE CT1
VEHICLE
WATCH
SCHEME
Developed in direct partnership with the Metropolitan Police Service, the CT1 Vehicle Watch Scheme gives tradespeople a professionally installed, tamper-proof reflective security sticker — making their vehicles part of an active police watch programme.
When a registered vehicle is identified during high-risk hours, Metropolitan Police officers are empowered to act immediately. Participation is free for all eligible UK tradespeople operating in Greater London.
BUILT
TO LAST.
BUILT
TO DETER
Developed in direct partnership with the Metropolitan Police Service, the CT1 Vehicle Watch Scheme gives tradespeople a professionally installed, tamper-proof reflective security sticker — making their vehicles part of an active police watch programme.
Ultra Reflective Material
High-grade retroreflective film — maximum visibility in the dark, precisely when theft risk peaks.
High Strength Adhesive
Industrial permanent adhesive. Bonds for the life of the vehicle. No clean removal.
Tamper Evident Design
Any removal attempt leaves a permanent VOID
pattern — an instant visual signal of
interference.
QR Code Registration
Unique QR links the vehicle to its owner.
Scannable by police in the field, day or night.
Controlled Installation Only
Fitted exclusively at authorised TVL Headquarters. Scheme integrity guaranteed.
Police Database Record
Every registered vehicle logged in scheme records - cross-referenced during police stop checks.
Your Sticker.
Registered.
Protected.
Once installed, link your sticker to your identity in four simple steps.
Scan the QR Code
Use your phone to scan the unique QR code on your freshly installed Vehicle
Watch sticker.
Complete Registration
Enter your details into the secure online registration portal — takes under
two minutes.
Sticker Linked to Owner
Your sticker ID is permanently linked to your profile in the scheme database.
Scheme Active
Your vehicle is now part of the Vehicle Watch programme with Metropolitan
Police awareness.
High-Risk
Hours.
POLICE
ALERT.
23:00
to
04:00
During these hours, Met Police officers are briefed to be alert for
registered Vehicle Watch vehicles. Any registration check is instant and
officer-driven.
- IMPORTANT NOTICE
“This initiative does not involve vehicle tracking or continuous
monitoring.”
No GPS. No surveillance. No ongoing monitoring of your vehicle’s
movements. The scheme operates purely as a visible deterrent and police
identification system. Your privacy is fully protected.
Three
Steps to
Protection.
From application to installed sticker in under a week.
Apply Online
Complete the application form. Provide your trade details, van registration, and contact info.
Eligibility Review
The scheme team reviews your application. You'll hear back within 3 working days.
Installation Day
Attend TVL Headquarters for a 30-minute installation. Leave fully registered and protected.
Who Can
Apply?
- Registered UK tradesperson — builder, electrician, plumber, contractor, or similar
- Owner or operator of one or more commercial trade vans
- Vehicle registered and taxed in the United Kingdom
- Operating primarily within Greater London
- Valid business registration or sole trader status
- Able to attend TVL Headquarters for installation
- Agree to scheme terms and conditions
- Vehicle used primarily for trade or commercial purposes
Common
Questions.
From application to installed sticker in under a week.