Top tips for keeping your vehicle safe

While vehicles and their technology systems have become smarter over the years, vehicle crime continues to be one of the most well reported instances of police recorded crime in the UK.

Along with calling for a taxi home, having your car stolen brings a whole host of inconveniences. Amongst the worst outcomes are extra time and expense for excursions, loss of personal possessions and identity fraud.

Thankfully, there are ways to keep your vehicle safe. Here’s our pick of the most effective.

Park securely

At home

Driveways and garages are the most secure places to park your car. However, there are extra measures you can take to increase safety:

• drive forwards onto your driveway or into your garage. This deters criminals looking to get away speedily.
• park as close to the house as possible. Criminals are less likely to approach a car that can be seen easily.
• park in line with a large window. Open spaces often deter criminals.

In a car park

It may take longer to manoeuvre, but park close to other cars where possible. When you isolate your vehicle, thieves are less exposed to passers-by and therefore more likely to take their opportunity.

Another top tip is to turn your wheels towards surrounding vehicles in a car park, or turn them towards the kerb if you are parked on the road. This deters criminals looking for an easy getaway.

On the road

If you are leaving your vehicle on a main road, consider parking it under street lamps. This way, if the sun dips or you are away from your car for longer than expected, the area is well lit and criminals are less likely to linger.

If you are parking outside a café or restaurant, try to leave it where there is a window. You don’t necessarily need to be the one keeping an eye on it, but criminals may be more hesitant to approach your vehicle if customers are in view.

Hide valuables

It may seem obvious, but many car thefts occur when belongings are left in view. Valuables like sat navs, mobile phones, wallets and cash should be tucked out of sight. This also includes any residue left over from valuables, including ring marks from sat navs, mobile phone packaging or coins.

It's also a good idea to keep bags and coats out of sight, as criminals could mistake them for concealing valuables. Remember to remove any paperwork including your name and address too, as criminals could use this information for identity theft.

Place car keys wisely

When you're at home, avoid leaving keys near doors, open windows or in a place they can be seen easily. A top tip is to keep them away from the letterbox, as criminals can fish through with hooked wire and snatch the keys from the inside.

Show signs of security

Extra signs of security are a good idea if you are leaving your vehicle unattended. Installing a tracker will help police locate it if the worst should happen. Additional measures such as adding steering wheel locks and warning stickers will help deter criminals looking for an easy ride.