Auto Trader

Whilst investing in a state of the art security system can make life difficult for thieves, it can’t guarantee your vehicle will be totally immune from attack.

By following these tips – which won’t cost you a penny – the chances of you falling foul of a criminal can be greatly reduced.

• Parking
  
• Keys
  
• Petrol Stations
  
• Driving
  
  
  

Parking

When at home, always park your car in your garage if at all possible. Vehicles are 40 times less likely to be interfered with than if they are left on the street.

If you can’t use a garage, make sure you leave your vehicle in a well lit, open place in full view of site. If you have a driveway, use it. Security lights and closed circuit television can be a real deterrent.

When you park in a car park, try to choose one with an attendant, or at least one which is well lit and covered by CCTV.

Visit securedcarparks.com to find an approved secure car park near you.

Finally, always avoid parking somewhere hidden from view and never leave anything valuable on display.

Keys

As security systems become more complex, thieves are increasingly targeting keys as the easy way to steal cars. As many thieves are opportunist, you only need drop your guard for a moment, and they will strike.

Always keep your keys about your person when out and about. Leaving them on a table in a restaurant or in an open handbag on the floor creates a prime target.

Another form of car theft on the increase is where thieves hook car keys through a letterbox in order to steal the car. They have realised that many people leave their keys in an accessible place, such as on a hallway table or by a window.

Always make sure your keys are kept out of site, such as in a discreet cupboard or draw. You may also want to invest in some kind of safe for greater piece of mind.

Petrol Stations

Petrol stations are another crime hotspot. Despite constant warning, many motorists leave their keys in the ignition while they go into the kiosk and pay. This creates a situation where you are waiting in a building, often not looking at your vehicle.

Thieves usually look for garages with poor CCTV coverage, or will simply park a stolen van in front of the cameras to block the garage's view.

ALWAYS lock your vehicle and take the keys with you whenever you leave your car.

Driving

There has been a series of high-profile cases of car jacking recently and it is one crime that is difficult to defend yourself from. However, here are some important tips:

• If you are approached by anyone who appears to be armed, never try to challenge them
  
• Always drive with your doors and boot locked and windows closed, particularly at night
  
• Make sure someone knows the route you are taking, when you leave and when you expect to arrive
  
• Keep all valuables out of site – particularly mobile phones
  
• Try to avoid badly lit or quiet roads