Vehicle Crime Reduction Advice

Drive down vehicle crime!

Vehicle crime has actually fallen by over 30% during the last five years. Even so, there are still more than two million vehicle-related thefts each year, and a lot of them could be prevented. Here’s how.

Safety tips | Secure your car |
Secure your bicycle | Secure your motorbike and scooter

Safety tips

• Rule number 1: Always keep your car locked. This includes closing the sunroof and windows, even if you only leave it for a few seconds. That’s all it takes for a criminal to steal your car or belongings.
• Rule number 2: Don’t leave anything in your car, particularly when it’s parked overnight. 63% of thefts of and from vehicles happen when they are parked outside the home.
• Rule number 3: Park with care. Park in busy or well-lit areas near CCTV cameras, or in police-approved car parks (look out for ‘ParkMarkTM’ on signs) if possible. You can find out which car parks are approved at www.saferparking.com
• Always chain bikes, motorbikes and scooters to something fixed like security rails and ground anchors (see picture).

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Secure your car

Fact!

You’re more than twice as likely to have your vehicle broken into than stolen. On average, that means paying out £100 – just for the repairs.

• Never leave the keys in the ignition, not even in a garage when you are paying for petrol.

• Don’t leave anything on display (even when you are parked in your driveway). That includes a jacket on the back seat, loose change in the ashtray, a chequebook in the glove compartment or mail with your address on it under the seat. Remember: thieves know all the usual hiding places!

• Fit a stereo with a removable front panel (also known as a fascia) – and take it with you when you leave the car.

• Never leave car documents or spare keys inside the car. Hide them at home, but not by the door. Thieves will use a hook and cane through the letterbox to steal car keys from hall tables.

• Get a professionally fitted car alarm or a Thatcham-approved electronic immobiliser (you can find an approved installer through the Vehicle Systems Installation Board at www.vsib.co.uk), or you can use a steering lock on older cars. You can find information on products that have been tested by Thatcham on www.thatcham.org (phone 01635 868855) or by Sold Secure on www.soldsecure.com (phone 01327 264687).

• Have your car’s registration number etched onto all glass surfaces, including the windscreen and headlamps.

• When you’re driving, keep doors locked and windows up, especially in slow traffic. Keep bags and mobile phones out of view. A thief can lean in and steal what’s on your passenger seat in the time it takes for a red light to turn green.

• If you’re leaving your car, put your shopping or anything else in the boot if you can’t take it with you.

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Secure your bicycle

Fact!

Over 100,000 bikes are stolen every year.

• Buy a good-quality lock because chains can be easily cut. D-locks or combination locks are best, but a good bicycle shop or DIY store can advise you. You could even use two locks for extra security (and to make thieves think it’s not worth trying to steal your bike).

• Always lock both wheels and keep the lock off the ground. This makes it harder to break.

• Take away any extras, like lights and helmets.

• Have your bike frame security-marked with your name and postcode.

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Secure your motorbike and scooter

Fact!

Motorbikes are popular targets for thieves because they can be sold easily or broken up for parts, which are harder to trace.

• Put a steering lock on and use a strong steel cable or D-lock to attach your bike to security rails or ground anchors.

• Get a professionally fitted combined alarm and immobiliser (you can find an approved installer through the Vehicle Systems Installation Board at www.vsib.co.uk). Thatcham and Sold Secure can advise you on the best products.

• If you’ve got a garage, use it. Or, cover your motorbike or scooter when you’re not using it.

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