Vehicle crime has fallen but many thefts - of your vehicle or its contents - can be prevented.
Quick Tips
- Lock the doors, and close the windows and sun roof when you leave the car for any length of time.
- Don't leave anything on display - even a jacket can be an appealing target for a thief.
- Remove the stereo if you can.
- Remove satellite navigation devices where possible, including the support cradle and suction pad. Wipe away any suction pad marks left on the windscreen or dashboard.
- Tuck in wind mirrors and put the ariel down to discourage vandalism.
- Never store your car's documents in the car.
- On frosty mornings do not leave your car unattended with the engine running while it defrosts.
- A Thatcham-compliant immobiliser or steering lock can help secure older cars.
- Think about having the windows etched with the car's registration number or the last seven digits of the vehicle identification number (VIN), or some other unique identifying number linked to a recognised database.
- Keep your car keys out of sight, even in your house, so that someone breaking in cannot steal your car too.
- If you are going to buy a new car, think about security when choosing which one. Use the Thatcham website to compare security scores for different cars, and find out which new cars won security awards in the annual British Insurance Vehicle Security Awards.
Driving
- Keep your car in good condition and make sure you have enough petrol to complete your journey.
- Keep doors locked while driving and keep bags, phones and other valuables out of sight (preferably in the boot).
- Park in well-lit or busy areas whenever possible. If you park during the day, think about what the area will feel like after dark.
- Where possible, use car parks approved under the police Safer Parking Scheme. These display the Park Mark® sign. A list of approved car parks can be found on the Safer Parking website.
- If you break down on the motorway, follow the arrows to the nearest phone. NEVER cross the carriageway. Wait outside your car, as far away as possible from the carriageway (unless you feel unsafe, in which case you should sit in the passenger seat).
- Do not give lifts to, or accept lifts from, people you do not know or someone who is under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
- You may feel more comfortable carrying a mobile phone with you. Try to keep it out of sight and do not use it while driving, as this is a criminal offence.
Page last updated/reviewed 7th January 2010 |
