Keeping your car safe

It may be difficult to protect your car from a determined professional thief, but most car crime is opportunist and you can stop the crooks with vigilance and relatively cheap security precautions. 

Don’t be wise after the event. Take the following tips. 

Basics 

• Never leave a car door unlocked or a window or sunroof open, even when just going into a shop for a moment or two. 
• Don’t leave any belongings in your car. A thief won’t know that a bag or coat doesn’t contain something valuable and might break a window to get at it. If you can’t take them with you, never leave things on display - lock them in the boot. 
• Security-mark your stereo and if it’s removable, always take it with you. Make a note of the serial number and keep it in a safe place. 
• Don’t leave credit cards or cheque books in the glove compartment. One in five stolen cheque and credit cards are taken from cars. 
• Never leave your vehicle documents in the car - they could help a thief to sell it. 
• Remove the ignition key and engage the steering lock, even when parking in your own driveway or garage, and don’t forget to lock the garage door. 
• Always try to park in a well-lit, open location. 
• Double-check that all car doors, windows, sunroof and boot are locked before leaving your vehicle. 
• Put your aerial down to stop it being vandalised.  

Extras 

• Etch the car’s registration number on all glass surfaces – windows, headlamps, sunroof. Thieves don’t want the expense of replacement. 
• Fit lockable wheel nuts and fuel cap. 
• Fit an anti-theft device – and use it every time you park. There are many types of car security device on the market, from steering wheel and clutch pedal locks to sophisticated electronic protection. 
• If you have an alarm, turn it on every time you park. Alarms should conform to BS6803. Check before you buy – is it Sold Secure Pact-approved? 
• A lockable petrol cap forces thieves to abandon your car when it runs out of petrol. 
• An additional immobilising device is worth considering. 
• Your insurance company may also be able to give you advice on approved security devices.    

For further advice and information the Home Office has a ten point checklist to help keep your vehicle safe (opens in a new window)

Sold Secure is a non-profit making company dedicated to reducing the risk of theft by the assessment of security products. 

Sold Secure was established in 1992 by Northumbria and Essex Police with the help and backing of the Home Office. It is now administered by the Master Locksmiths' Association. 

Sold Secure test and provide professional and accurate advice regarding effective security products to commercial customers, the insurance industry, the Home Office, the police and the public. 

Manufacturers and suppliers can apply to have their products approved by Sold Secure. Products that have been satisfactorily assessed may bear the Sold Secure Quality Mark. 

The Sold Secure office is at

Daventry
Northants
NN11 3PZ

Tel: 01327 264687