Secure Your Car - Advice
Never leave items on display
Any valuable possessions you leave in your car are at
risk from being stolen.
Never give a thief an opportunity to break in and steal
your belongings - they will take it.
As well as car stereos other items frequently stolen
from cars include satellite navigation (Sat Nav) systems,
lap top computers, handbags and mobile phones. However
most thieves will literally be tempted by whatever they
see and take anything from CDs to sunglasses.
The simple advice is remove anything from your car
that might tempt an opportunist thief or securely lock
them in the boot. Don't leave valuables in the glove
compartment or under the seat - thieves will look there.
Wipe off any suction marks on the dashboard/windscreen
and remove cradles - these give an indication there
is property worth stealing.
Many in-car entertainment systems have removable faces
on the stereo. If yours has this feature make sure you
use it. Remove the face and take it with you, even if
you're leaving the car for just a short time. If your
stereo has a built-in security code make a note of it,
along with any serial numbers, and keep it in a safe
place away from the car.
Security mark all items liable to be stolen (seek advice
on how to do this from your local Crime Prevention Officer
if required).
Last but not least - don't forget to close windows,
sunroofs and lock doors and NEVER leave children or
pets alone in your vehicle.
Keep your car keys safe
Never leave your keys in your car, even for a second.
This is especially important when you're loading or
unloading your car or at petrol stations. A thief will
take any opportunity.
Make sure your keys are kept in a secure place at home,
work or even down the gym! Burglars have been known
to break in to houses and offices just to steal car
keys. At home don't be in the habit of leaving car keys
close to the front door where they can be seen - this
might make life easier for you, but it's also very handy
for a car thief.
Think about where you
park
Where and how you park your car can be important for
your own security, and that of your car.
At home use your garage if you have one. If you don't
have a garage leave your car on the driveway or nearby
(ideally in a well lit area where it can easily be seen).
If you're parking away from home the British Parking
Association (BPA) gives car parks across the UK an award
if they achieve a police standard of safety and security.
Look out for the ParkMark™ logo, which indicates
that a car park has met the required standard. In order
to locate your nearest ParkMark™ accredited site
go to www.parkmark.co.uk
If you can't find an accredited car park then try and
find one that's well supervised with restricted entry
and exit points and CCTV cameras. If possible reverse
in to the parking space so that you can get away quickly
in an emergency and ideally choose a place that's close
to the exit and away from pillars. If you can't find
any car park then park somewhere that's busy and well
lit.
Car Security Devices
Many car security devices are fitted as standard and
there are also plenty of options, such as steering wheel
locks, available from shops and garages. Alarms are
a highly effective deterrent to both car theft and theft
from your vehicle and even basic devices such as wheel
locks can make a big difference. Car thieves will always
go for the easiest option.
More recently there has been an increase in the theft
of vehicle registration plates by criminals engaged
in activities such as the evasion of speeding fines,
parking tickets and payment for petrol. To combat this
central government have been working with number plate
manufacturers to produce special theft resistant plates
which should be available from autumn 2006. Existing
plates can also be made more secure by attaching them
with clutch head screws.
One of the biggest advancements in car security in
recent years has been the emergence of the vehicle tracking
system. These systems use radio or satellite positioning
to locate a car after it's been stolen and are becoming
increasingly popular.
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