Secure Your Car
Too many people think that if someone wants to break into or steal their car, there’s nothing they can do about it. By taking some time to think about security and taking some simple measures, you really can reduce the risk of becoming a victim of vehicle crime.
Vehicle crime accounts for around a fifth of all recorded crime, but many of those crimes could be prevented.
- When parking at home always use your garage if you have one. Always lock both your car and your garage. If you don't have a garage, always try to park in a well-lit, open place.
- Never leave anything on display when you park your car. Do not put valuables in the glove box or under the seat, thieves know the hiding places, take them with you or lock them securely in your boot. Remove all valuables even if you are parking your car in your garage.
- Use a steering lock every time you leave your car.
- When parking outside always try and park your car in an attended car park. Try to look for a public car park which is part of the police-approved Safer Parking scheme.
- Mark all your car equipment, like your car stereo, with your vehicle registration number. For approved property marking equipment go to www.securedbydesign.com.
- Have your car registration number or the last 7 digits of your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) etched onto all windows, both windscreens and your headlamps.
- Locking wheel nuts are cheap and easy to install plus they stop thieves stealing your wheels.
- Get a car alarm fitted by a professional they not only deter a thief from taking your car but also its contents.
- Get a lockable petrol cap. Some new cars have these as standard - check it out if you're buying.
- When you leave your car, always take the ignition key with you. Don't pop back into the house, leaving the engine running on a cold winter's morning. At home, never leave your car keys, or house keys, near a door or window. Some thieves use a fishing rod or magnet on a stick to steal them through the letterbox.
For further information about securing your vehicle, go to: www.secureyourmotor.gov.uk.
