Stealing cars and other vehicles has become a way of life for
some criminals. These are involved in organised vehicle
crime principally to profit from re-selling stolen
vehicles (cars, motorcycles, commercial vehicles etc)
and parts.
Stolen vehicles can be used in other
types of crime, for example during armed robberies. Whilst
the sale of stolen vehicles and parts can be used to fund
other types of crime.
Vehicle crime also involves personal belongings being
stolen from your car.
How can I prevent myself from being a victim of car crime?
Most vehicle crime is opportunistic and therefore preventable.
Here are some tips that will help you to protect your vehicle and
deter potential thieves.
Don’t tempt a thief
- Never leave anything on display in your
vehicle; a bag on the back seat is enough to tempt a thief.
- Always remove your portable sat nav system
including any support cradles and suction pads that are fitted to
the windscreen. Ensure that you wipe the mark off the
windscreen.
- When you leave your car, close all windows
including your sunroof and ensure your car has
been locked.
- Never leave credit cards or cash in the glove
compartment
- Don’t leave the vehicle documents in the
car.
- Mark items such as CD players and sat nav systems with your
postcode or vehicle registration using a special security
marker.
- Turn off the Bluetooth on any of your items,
as thieves can use this to target specific cars.
- During colder days, don’t leave the car
running to defrost on the drive. Sit in it whilst it
defrosts.
Use security devices to deter a thief
- If your vehicle doesn’t have electronic immobilisers,
install steering wheel locks which are inexpensive
and easy to fit.
- If you don’t have an alarm, get one fitted by a
professional.
- Get a lockable petrol cap. Some new cars have
these as standard.
Keep your keys safe
- When you leave the car always remove the key from the
ignition and lock all doors – it only
takes a few seconds for a thief to jump into your car and drive
away.
- At home, never leave your car keys, or house keys, near
a door or window. Some thieves use a fishing rod or magnet
on a stick to steal them through the letterbox.
- When you’re out and about ensure your keys aren’t
exposed – it’s all too easy to leave them on a counter top
or in an open handbag.
Parking
- If you have a garage, use it. Always lock your
car and your garage door. If you don’t have a garage, park on your
drive or on a well lit street
- Thieves always like to steal from cars which are parked in
places where they run the least risk of being seen. Avoid parking
in places that are concealed from public view.
Catalytic converters
If the catalytic converter is missing off your vehicle you
will notice that the vehicle will make a noise that is
louder than usual.
To protect your converter it can be etched with a
serial number or alternatively marked with identity marking
water or a UV pen.
If you witness suspicious activity around vehicles, call the
police on 0845 458 0000 or
on 999 if a crime is in progress.