Car Crime

Over a quarter of all recorded crimes are car thefts, or thefts from cars - like stereos, laptops and mobile phones and Sat/Nav. It’s a problem that affects us all no matter where we live. It diverts much police time and can have serious and sometimes fatal consequences.

Keeping your car safe

If your car is stolen or broken into, it could mean weeks of expensive inconvenience - and losing your no-claims bonus. It may be difficult to protect your car from a determined, professional thief, but most car crime is opportunist and you can put them off with vigilance and relatively cheap security precautions. Don’t be wise after the event – take the following tips to turn the tide against car crime.

Basics

Never leave a car door unlocked or a window or sun-roof open – even when just popping into a shop, the office, or a friend for a moment or two, and never leave the keys in the ignition – you will invalidate your insurance cover for a start!
Don’t leave any belongings in your car. A thief won’t know that a bag or coat doesn’t contain something valuable and might break a window to get at it. If you can’t take them with you, never leave things on display - lock them in the boot.
Security mark your stereo and if it’s removable, take the face plate with you. Make a note of the serial number and keep it in a safe place. Ditto your Sat/Nav gear, lock it in the boot AND its holder!
Don’t leave credit cards or cheque books in the glove compartment. 1 in 5 stolen cheque and credit cards are taken from cars.
Never leave your vehicle documents in the car - they could help a thief to sell it.
Remove the ignition key and engage the steering lock - even when parking in your own driveway or garage - and don’t forget to lock the garage door.
Always try to park in a well-lit, open location. Remember, the same location may look completely different in the dark. In long stay and park and ride car parks try and park near the security hut, or ask them to watch you whilst you retrieve your car.
Double-check that all car doors, windows, sunroof and boot are locked before leaving it. And put your aerial down to stop it being vandalised.
Etch the car’s registration number on all glass surfaces - windows, headlamps, sunroof. Thieves don’t want the expense of replacement.
Fit lockable wheel nuts and fuel cap.
Fit an anti-theft device - and use it every time you park. There are many types of car security device on the market - from steering wheel and clutch pedal locks to sophisticated electronic protection. Alarms should conform to BS 6803. Check before you buy - is it Sold Secure Pact Approved? Your insurance company may also be able to give you advice on approved security devices.
Sold Secure Pact - ‘Sold Secure - Partnership Against Car Theft’ is a police/ business scheme to test and recognise car security products - as well as offering expert training for installers and allied businesses. Car dealers who take part in the scheme agree to sell vehicles with a basic security package as standard (see Help panel).

Finally, make sure your vehicle keys are kept out of sight in your residence or office. Many burglaries end with the vehicle being taken; some burglaries are actually committed to get the keys of high value makes, as today’s sophisticated security devices make car theft without keys very difficult.

Car Parks

When parking in a public car park - look for one that is well supervised, with restricted entry and exit points, good lighting and security cameras. In multi-storey car parks, choose a widely visible bay.
Car parks are a target for thieves and a source of fear for many people. A police scheme - ‘Secured Car Parks’ - aims to make car parks safer, more attractive places - by setting high crime prevention standards of internal design and layout. Those measuring up are entitled to display the official gold or silver ‘Secured Car Parks’ emblem.

To find out about ‘Secured Car Parks’ in your area, contact the crime reduction officer at your local police station.

Used Cars

If you buy a used car from a reputable dealer and it turns out to be stolen, there should be no problem in recovering your costs.
Be cautious with ‘small ads’. Go to the seller’s house - to make sure he or she lives there!
Check that the car’s chassis and vehicle identity numbers match those on the documents - and that the registration document hasn’t been tampered with.
Be wary if the seller can’t produce the registration document - though he or she may have a valid excuse.
If you buy through an auction, take advantage of indemnity clauses. A small fee is charged, but you are protected should you find you’ve bought a stolen vehicle.

The Hyena campaign logo The ‘Hyena’ campaign was launched in 1992 - with the long-term objective of making car crime as socially unacceptable as drink-driving. It’s vital that we all continue to work together to reduce opportunities for the car criminal.