Keeping Your Car & Valuables 100% Safe!

by David

Car Security.

Most vehicle crime is opportunistic and therefore preventable. By following some straightforward advice, and working together, we can ensure that this type of crime keeps falling.

We've already had success in reducing vehicle crime, because in recent years vehicle crime in the UK has been steadily falling.

Vehicle crime has dropped by 51% since 1997. However, there were some 1.7 million vehicle related thefts during 2005 & 2006.

The Vehicles (Crime) Act 2001 introduced the registration of motor salvage dealers and number plate suppliers, together with the Vehicle Identity Check scheme. These measures will make it harder for thieves to sell on stolen vehicles.

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 already & They prevent the car from starting. To get one fitted expect to pay around �120-00 ish.

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 your fuel.

Buy a car stereo that you can remove the front bit, 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.

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, like the 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 too). If your vehicle is not found, then report it to your insurance company as such and give them your crime number.

Don't be alarmed by all off this, just remember to keep things out of sight. Also whilst your out in your car, always keep your doors locked, as this too prvents car snatching. And don't forget to wipe those marks off from your sat navs etc, this should be done every time you leave your car for a long period.

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