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Vehicle crime

Taking some simple steps can help to protect your vehicle from thieves.

Securing your vehicle

Remember that your vehicle is like a shop window for thieves: if you can see any of your property left in the vehicle, you are inviting the opportunist thief to steal them. If you have to leave items in your car, put them out of sight at the start of your journey as thieves may be watching you park
Always lock and close doors, sunroofs and windows and activate any security devices when leaving your car unattended, even for a short time
Consider fitting a car alarm

Never leave keys in an unattended vehicle; criminals target cars at petrol stations, shops and outside schools. These are the situations where the driver is most likely to just pop out the car and leave it vulnerable to theft
Never leave your car documents or personal documents in your car
Never store spare car keys inside the vehicle - keep them in a safe place at home and out of sight, however never store them near the front door - thieves break into properties or use a rod through a letterbox to specifically steal car keys from hallways
When you park remove the stereo if you can and take it with you. Do not leave it in the glove compartment
Fit a tamper proof tax disc holder - stolen discs may be used on illegal and often unroadworthy vehicles
To try and discourage vandalism to the car - tuck in wing mirrors and put the aerial down if possible
Visibly mark 'in car entertainment' systems and other accessories that you might have in your car frequently with a permanent marker pen
Think about having the windows etched with the vehicle registration number and make a note of its chassis number

Most vehicle crimes occur on street so driveway parking is safer if possible especially if you have lockable gates. Another safer option is parking in a secured and alarmed garage attached to your property - remote garage blocks and courtyards won't benefit from casual observation that deters criminals
Poor lighting, overgrown trees, shrubs and hedges and high walls provide cover for criminals so ensure that trees and bushes are pruned, security lighting is installed and any street lighting that is not working is reported for repair

Property from vehicles is often sold to local handlers and then sold on to the public - if you have any information concerning stolen vehicles or property taken from vehicles you can contact Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 (calls are anonymous)