Being a victim of vehicle theft can be distressing, and can cause a lot of inconvenience for the owner.
The more security you put in and around your vehicle, the less attractive it will be to thieves. Always look for products recommended by Thatcham or Sold Secure, as these meet certain attack test standards. Consider adopting some of the following security measures to try to reduce your likelihood of becoming a victim of future crime.
Protect your vehicle. Don’t give thieves an easy ride.
Leave it on show, expect it to go! Always remove valuables from your vehicle.
Remove sat navs, including the support cradle and cables. Wipe away any suction pad marks.
Don’t leave tools in vans overnight.
Make sure that doors are locked, windows are closed and keys are removed when you leave the car, even if it’s only for a moment.
On icy mornings, never leave your vehicle unattended with the engine running.
Park your vehicle in a well-lit spot that is visible to others, or covered by CCTV.
If you have a garage, use it. Always lock your vehicle and garage.
Consider fitting a metal cage to your catalytic convertor or have it etched.
Register any vehicle equipment such as CD players, in-car DVD payers, and sat navs for free with immobilise.com.
Thieves sometimes break into houses looking for car keys. They can also use wires and hooks ‘to try and drag’ your keys through the letterbox.
Keep your keys away from doors and windows, and tucked away out of sight.
Have your vehicle’s windows etched with its registration number or the last seven digits of the vehicle identification number (VIN). This can put criminals off, as it makes your car more difficult to sell. It also makes it easier for police to get your car back to you if it is stolen.
Most vehicle crime is preventable. It can take as little as 10 seconds for a thief to steal something from your car. The best way to protect your belongings is to lock your car whenever you leave it. Other things you can do include:
Removing everything from the car; don’t even leave a jacket where it can be seen
Closing the sunroof along with the windows when you leave
Not storing things in the boot; take them with you
Storing car ownership information in your home, not your car
Having a routine to ensure you always take the keys out of the ignition
Taking removable stereos and sat nav equipment with you
In addition, using secure (theft resistant) number plates can make your plates less attractive to thieves
Where you park can make a big difference to the safety of your car and your belongings. Look out for car parks approved by the police Safer Parking
scheme. You can find them by looking for their distinctive ‘Park Mark’ signs.