Vehicle Security
Many thefts or car break-ins happen because owners make it easy for the thief.
It may be difficult to protect your car from a determined, professional thief, but most car crime is committed by opportunists who may be put off by relatively cheap security precautions.
Remember, it only takes a thief a few seconds to get into a vehicle.
By following these simple steps you could significantly reduce the likelihood of being a victim of vehicle crime:
- General vehicle security:
- Fit an alarm and always use it
- All new cars are fitted with electronic immobilisers but if your car is over four years old, consider having an immobiliser professionally fitted
- Fit a locking petrol cap and wheel nuts
- Buy a steering lock and use it every time you leave the car
- Have your car registration number etched on every window
- Security mark all valuables in the car, such as radios and Sat Nav systems, using an ultraviolet pen and keep a record of all property marked
- Consider fitting a vehicle tracking device
- Lock all windows, doors and the sunroof whenever you leave the vehicle, even for just a few minutes
- Never leave keys in the ignition — even for just a few seconds or to heat the car up in winter
- Remove all valuables — never leave anything on display