Protection From Car Crime

According to the latest reports, car crime in the UK accounts for nearly 25% of all reported criminal acts in the UK. This is a massive figure, which could affect you when you least expect it. Follow these steps below and you could make your vehicle less attractive for thieves and also decrease your premiums at the same time!

• Lock your car - It only takes a few seconds to steal a car or your possessions from it. Don't make it easy for the thieves. Close all windows lock all doors (and sunroof) even if you leave your car only for a few seconds. When driving also lock your car. Car jacking is on the increase in the UK and the majority of cases involve unlocked cars.
• Keep valuables out of sight - do not tempt any thieves, some will break in for some loose change or a piece of clothing thrown onto the back seat. Don't give them any excuse to choose your car.
• Alarms - If you have a car alarm then use it. You never know when that thief may pounce. If you are planning to buy an alarm try to get it fitted professionally. There is no point having a faulty alarm!
• Immobilisers - Immobilisers are one of the best way to stop your car from being stolen, provided it is properly fitted. Get your immlobiliser fitted from an approved garage and this will protect your car and also lower your premiums.
• Keys - Never leave your keys in your car. Even when filling up or defrosting the car in Winter. There is nothing like an invitation! Always keep your keys in a safe place when in the home, try not to leave them beside the door. If a burglar does strike, what is to stop him making off with your household goods in your own car?
• Parking - When parking try not too park in a dimly lit quiet street , secluded spots or areas that thief will be less likely to be seen. Choose your parking place carefully.If you are parking at if you have a garage then use it and remember to lock the garage too! In town try to use an attended secured car park, try to park in a public car park which is part of the police-approved Secured Car Parks Scheme
• Stereos - If you can remove your stereo or face then do so. This is the most common item that a car thief will target. The stereos are easy to sell an invariably you will never see it again.
• Steering Locks - Use your steering lock every time you park your car
• Locking Wheels Nuts - One of the cheapest and best ways to protect your wheels from theft.
• Security Marks - Having your windows and windscreen etched with either your registration number or the last 7 digits of your Vehicle Identification Number. Also, mark your valuable items with your registration number, such as CD players and stereos. This will at least make them traceable for the police but will also make it more difficult for the thieves to sell.