Securing Your Car
Avoid being a victim of crime
Car crime is on the decrease and you can keep these figures down by taking responsibility for maintaining your own car security.
Although theft rates have fallen, the proportion of cars that have been stolen but not recovered is on the increase. This usually happens when ‘professional' thieves steal cars for their parts or to re-sell. Cars stolen by ‘joy riders' are usually found abandoned.
Remember the following:
- Don't leave anything on display in your car, even if it is parked on your own drive.
- If you do leave things in your car, keep them out of sight or locked in your boot but don't let anyone see you doing it.
- Never leave your car documents or spare key in your car.
- Be careful where you park your car - look for busy car parks with CCTV cameras.
- Always take removable stereos and Sat Nav equipment out of the car. Don't hide them in your glove compartment as this is the first place a thief will look.
- Don't leave your car keys by the front door. Theives are able to steal them by putting a hooked pole through your letterbox.
At the moment, the most popular types of car theft are satellite navigation equipment theft and number plate theft.
Number Plates
If your number plates are stolen you should contact the Police immediately to report it. If you don't and your plates are used to change the identity of another car you could receive fixed penalty notices for parking and speeding etc and might even be suspected of committing the crimes yourself.
Sat Nav theft
If you have a portable Sat Nav in your car it is important that you take it out of the car with you whenever you leave the car. Not only should you remove the cradle and suction pads, but you should also clean any marks that the suction pads have left on the windscreen or dashboard. This is because thieves know to look for these signs and break in to the car expecting to find the Sat Nav in the glove compartment or hidden under the seat.
Some useful links:
ABI (Association of British Insurers)
Blackcircles.com
Citizens Advice Bureau
Department for Transport
Driving Standards Agency
DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency)
Financial Ombudsman Service
Motor Insurers' Bureau
Society of Motor Manufacturers
The Highways Agency
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