A thief can break into your vehicle in a minute and can either remove your property or steal the vehicle itself. If you have been a victim of this type of crime you will know the cost, inconvenience and anger it can cause.
However, by taking a few simple steps we can drastically reduce the chances that our vehicles will be targeted and also reduce the fear of vehicle crime in our neighbourhoods - lets bring crime down and don't give them an easy ride.
Some of the simple steps you can take are:
- Park in safe areas
- Use security devices
- Shut windows and lock doors
- Don' t leave anything on display
Park in safe areas
Any location where vehicles are parked and there are few people about or the vehicle is hidden from public view and where there are several ways of escape will be attractive to a thief.
You should look to park in areas that are well lit, busy and offer good surveillance.
If possible use car parks which have attained Secured Car Park status. These car parks have been certified as meeting minimum standards in layout and design, lighting, surveillance and controlled entry and exit. Although not a guarantee of safety figures show that Secured Car Parks can reduce vehicle crime by 70 %.
Use security devices
Over half of car crime is 'opportunistic'. Most criminals can be easily outsmarted by taking simple steps to secure your car.
Some of the security devices that are effective include:
- Wheel protection
Thieves target alloy wheels and tyres from steel wheels - protect them using locking wheel nuts - they are not expensive and are easy to fit. - Immobilisers
A sure way to prevent your vehicle being stolen. - Security devices
Steering wheel and gear lever locks are not expensive and are easy to fit. - Etching
Etch your vehicle registration number onto all glass surfaces. - Stereo
Get one that is removable or has a removable front cover, mark the stereo with a unique identifying reference
Shut windows and lock doors
An unlocked door or an open window is an invitation to a thief and yet many of us do this when paying for petrol, getting a car park ticket or popping into a shop - Your vehicle and your property can be stolen in less than a minute.
Always lock your doors and the boot and close the windows.
Don't leave anything on display
Having property and valuables on display will provide a temptation to a thief Thefts from vehicles greatly outnumber thefts of vehicles because opportunist thieves are tempted by property lying on the front seats, on the dashboard or in the back.
Any type of property that is on display is vulnerable - laptops, phones, bags, money, CDs and radios. If it is visible in an unattended vehicle a thief can quickly break the window and steal it.
Don' t give them an easy ride - take your property with you or lock it out of sight in the boot or a vehicle safe.
