Top Tips for Car Theft Prevention
Are you one to double check your car door after you’ve locked it, just in case? Wise move. Almost 358,000 thefts, either from or of a motor vehicle, took place in 2014 according to the Office for National Statistics.
So, what can you do to protect your car and its contents? Take a look at our trusty tips to find out.
Keep Your Car Locked at all Times
Even if you think you’re just going to be ‘two minutes’, lock your car. Chances are, you’ll be longer than you think you’ll be anyway. Somehow, two minutes can easily turn into ten, or even twenty, so be sure to lock your car every single time you leave it.
Double Check That You’ve Locked It
You may have intentions of locking your car, but it’s easy to get distracted. If your phone starts ringing or you see someone you know, you can simply forget. Make it a habit to pull the door handle to ensure you have locked your car.
Choose Carefully Where to Park Your Car
Granted, it’s not always possible to be fussy on where to park up, but if there’s an opportunity to park in a well-lit area then don’t even think twice about parking anywhere else.
Even if it’s daylight, it’s wise to park your car under a street lamp. It may be dark by the time you return to your car and a thief is less likely to break into a car if they can be easily seen.
Don’t Keep Spare Keys in Your Car
Whilst you’re more likely to remember where your spare keys are if they’re actually in your car, it’s not a good idea to put them there. Why? Well, you’re basically handing over your keys on a plate. All it takes is a quick look in your glove box and bingo: the thief has hit gold.
Instead, keep your set of spare keys in your home. If you think you’ll forget where you’ve put them, tell family members or write a memo in your phone.
Never Leave Valuables Clearly on View
If you leave valuables such as phones, laptops, purses and wallets where they can be seen, thieves are likely to target your car. They’ll see something they like and will try and break in, or worse, steal your car.
If you do have valuables in your possession whilst travelling, either lock them in your boot or take them with you when you leave your car.
So, now you know how to prevent your car from theft. If you think your personal car registration has been stolen, report it to the police immediately. There are an increasing number of cases of criminals stealing number plates and fitting them to their own vehicles to perform crimes.
Read More: Cloned Car Registrations Are More Common Than You Think
