Did you know that there are at least:
- 32,500,000 cars in the UK.
- 270,000,000+ cars in the USA.
- 300,000,000+ cars across Europe.
That is a lot of vehicles, so with all of that choice out there, why should anybody target yours?
There are two parts to the answer.
Thieves may be stealing to order and want a top of the range super car, or they may want a family car to blend in or just a clapped out old banger for a joy ride. There is no one group which is excluded form their ambitions.
Secondly, with such availability, if you don’t consider how to keep your car safe then you are making it easy for the thieves. In the UK there is now only a 1 in 400 chance of a successful prosecution.
What Can You Do?
When you leave it – Check It’s Locked
With so many cars having automated locking systems, it is easy to walk away and assume that the car has locked properly. Take the extra three seconds to deliberately point your key at the car, listen for the audible sound of the lock engaging and check the visual notification. Many cars now will flash their lights three times when the system locks properly.
If you are at all unsure try the doors and boot, but beware if you have keyless locking system as this will unlock it all.
When you drive off – Lock the Doors
Most cars will now auto lock when the car reaches a certain speed, normally about 5mph. Never disable this function.
If you are in a car and somebody is trying to get in to rob you, attack you, or steal the car, then the fact that your doors are locked gives you extra protection. This may only be for a limited amount of time, but long enough to call for help.
If you have your windows down and any sun roof open then any would be robber will still gain easy access.
If you need to open a window to talk to anybody outside the car, crack the wndow by only a couple of centimetres, unless you now and trust the person. That gap is enough for you to talk and listen through and if necessary pass any license or other documentation.
Think about where you park
If away from home try to park in well lit public areas. Avoid parking in isolated places, that makes it easier for a thief to operate unseen. Busier parking areas mean that any would be thief has to contend with multiple people arriving and returning to cars at anytime and potentially catching them.
That may mean that you park in slightly different paces by day and night.
If possible park your car in a place where you can observe it if you are in a cafe, restaurant or other establishment.
Don’t be a nosy parker. If possible, park your car in such a way that you can get into it and drive straight out without any time consuming reversing manoeuvre. That does mean that you need to get good at reversing into parking spaces, but with mirrors and in car sensors and displays that has now become much easier.
Hide your belongings
Don’t leave your belongings on display. Somebody may break into your car for the sunglasses or change left on display rather than to actually steal the car.
If you have packages which you must leave in there, do so for as short a time as possible. Pull over any boot cover so they cannot be seen or put them in a footwell and place a blanket over them so they are in the darkest part of the car and cannot be properly identified.
If you are a workman either ensure your van and tools are left in secure locations or remove any valuable tools, copper, wire or other valuables when the van is not in use.
Don’t set Home on your SATNAV
If you have a fitted SATNAV, do not set your home address under the heading Home. Should somebody manage to steal your car while you are away from home, they will have your car and your home address. You have, inadvertently, just given it to them, and now they know that you are not at home.
You may have just set yourself up to lose more than your car.
Boost your Car’s Security
You probably have an automatic immobiliser in the car already. You can add to that with a steering wheel lock and you can install a tracker like the Car-Loc Anti Theft Device.
If you always park your car(s) in the same place at home you could also fir a small CCTV system to keep it in view. These can be quite cheap and shouldn’t break your bank.
Use the systems already fitted
Check your user manual for any security systems which are fitted to the car and make sure they are all enabled.
These will include the automatic locking system when you pull away and also with more recent cars will leave the headlights on for 30 seconds after you have exited and locked your car.
Don’t leave the car running and unattended
During the winter you may need to warm up your car. You turn it on and return to your house or office to collect your bags etc. Equally you may be literally dashing into a shop, and worst of all you may leave a child in there. Well, you have now effectively just gifted the car to any robber and may have compromised your insurance.
Secure your keys
How often have you been into a coffee shop, office or restaurant and noticed somebody’s keys in open view on the table.
A good pickpocket or thief may be able to distract you and pick up those keys and with it access to your car, and presumably your house.
Put your keys in your bag, inside a zip pocket, gym locker or somewhere else which is secure.
Make your car security a habit
This might seem like a lot to do, but it is really a series of simple steps. A lot of people will not do these, or will be inconsistent in how they apply them. Those people are putting themselves in the shop window for car thieves.
Dont be one of them. Habitualise your security habits around your car.
