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Park
in a well-lit, open area. When you park away
from home, avoid dark and secluded places, thieves steal
from places where they are less likely to be seen. |
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Activate
your alarm. A thief doesn't want attention
drawn to his activities so fitting an alarm is ideal. |
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Lock your car and close all windows.
It only takes a thief seconds to steal so no matter how
briefly you are leaving your car, always lock all doors
and shut all windows including the sunroof. |
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Don't
leave your valuables on display. Even a few
old CD's on the seat is a temptation for a thief to take
- they steal first and think about value later. |
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Fit
an immobiliser. These are great deterrents
to vehicle crime. They could be either electronic or mechanical
(such as a steering wheel lock). Information on vehicle
immobilization products can be obtained by calling the
Vehicle Security National helpline on 0870 550 2006 or
the Sold secure helpline on 01327 256 687. When you do
have one fitted, make sure it is professionally fitted. |
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Always
take and keep your keys with you. Remove your
ignition key every time you leave your vehicle, even when
filling up with petrol and when warming it up in winter.
Also, ensure you keep your keys in a safe place when you
aren't using your car. |
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Security
mark your car. Arrange to have either your
Vehicle Registration Number, the last seven digits of
the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or a unique identifying
number linked to a recognized database etched onto all
glass surfaces - including headlamps. |
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Consider
marking all your valuables. Any items that
you regularly take in your car such as your stereo, mobile
phone and briefcase could be marked with the same numbers
you use to security mark your car. |
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Remove
your stereo. This is one of the most sought
after items for a thief to steal. If you are fitting a
stereo, buy one that's easily removed or has a removable
fascia. |
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Fit
locking wheel nuts. Wheels can be an expensive
element of a car and are therefore a popular target for
car thieves. |
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Fit
a tracking device. These enable the car to
be tracked by the police or system operator if it is stolen.
If you are buying a particularly desirable car, a tracking
device will probably be a condition of your insurance.
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