Car Security

Research has shown that most car thiefs are opportunists, and therefore can be deterred by taking some simple steps

62% of reported car crime is made up of thefts from cars, so:

• Never leave anything on display in your car
• Always lock all doors and boot.
• When you leave, take your wallet and mobile phone with you (40% of car break- ins involves theft of mobile phone).
• If you cannot take items with you, keep them well hidden.
• Never leave your keys in the ignition, even if you are just at the petrol station.
• When parking use a garage if you have one, and lock both the car and the garage.
• If you do not have a garage or driveway park in a busy, well-lit area.
• In car parks, choose ones that have on-duty attendants and park in a well-lit space that can be seen easily.
• Alarms are effective in preventing theft of the car and items from it. Always use ones approved by the vehicle systems installation board.
• Engine Immobilisers – most new cars have one fitted. They prevent the car from starting. To get one fitted expect to pay around £120.
• Steering Locks can be a useful deterrant and can be bought from most shops and garages.
• Get a lockable petrol cap – thieves will even steal fuel!
• Buy a car stereo that you can remove, and take it with you when you leave the car.
• Etching – this can be useful for older cars. It involves having the last 7 digits of the VIN number etched onto all the windows, windscreens and headlights.
• Invest in locking wheel nuts. These are cheap and easy to use, and prevent your wheels from being stolen.
• If you have a very valuable car, it may be worth getting GPS tracking device fitted. This enables police to track your vehicle wherever it is.

Alarms & Immobilisers

It is usually cost effective to invest in security equipment, unless your vehicle is worth very little. Although most new cars have an alarm or immobiliser fitted (law since 1998), you may want to upgrade it. If so ensure that all devices are Thatcham approved – they have one of the most rigorous test regimes in the world.

To give you an idea of the cost of these devices:

AN550 Thatcham Category 1 Approved Alarm £169.99. Fitting takes 4-5hrs at £150-£175 extra.

M1600 Thatcham Category 2 Approved Transponder Immobiliser £54.99. Fitting cost approx. £80

(examples from www.microscanalarms.co.uk)

If Your Car Is Stolen

• Unless you have seen it being stolen, then you do not need to call 999.
• Call your local police station, and give them the details of the theft.
• Have the details of the car ready – make, model, colour , registration.
• You will be given a crime number for insurance claims.
• If your car is found, it will be kept for forensic examination.
• To get it back, you will have to pay a garage fee (you can claim this back through your insurance)
• If your vehicle is not found, then report it to your insurance company as such and give them your crime number.