Did you know, in the UK, a car is stolen on average every ten minutes (ITV, 2020). Whilst we can't always prevent it there are simple steps we can all take to reduce our chances of becoming a victim of car crime.
- Leave your car locked
A simple mistake that can prove calamitous: 44% of cars were broken into via an unlocked door.
- Leave your car well-lit
80% of car crime occurs during the evening or at night. Parking near streetlamps or in a busy area can deter thieves.
- Leave your car empty or with no items on show
Owners often forget that personal belongings within the car are at as much risk of being stolen as the car itself.
TOP TIPS TO KEEP YOUR CAR SAFE
Following 3 simple steps (leave your car locked, well-lit, and empty) will help to keep your car safe, but there are further steps you could take:
- Store car ownership information at home, not in your car
- Secure number plates with anti-theft screws available from car accessory stores
- Keep your car keys out of sight in your home
- Use a Sold Secure www.soldsecure.com approved anti-theft device on your car. You can search for suppliers on www.securedbydesign.com
- When parking in a car park, look for a ‘Park Mark’ www.parkmark.co.uk indicating the car park meets recognised security levels
- Fit locking, anti-tamper wheel nuts to secure alloy wheels
- Secure items outside of your vehicle. Anything left on roof-racks, tailgate racks, holiday top boxes or in tool chests are easily stolen when the vehicle is parked. The use of cable locks, padlocks and self-locking tools chests, which are secured to the vehicle, makes them more secure, but still, don’t leave things in them if you can avoid it.
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