Vehicle Security
Date Published: 07/09/2012
Vehicle security
Next to your house, your car is often the most expensive single item you will buy. The following should be considered:
1. Is it parked in a secure place?
2. Have you left any property in or on display in the vehicle, i.e. mobile phone, camera, parcels, or is your CD or cassette player on view? Such items are a target for thieves.
3 Have you locked your doors and engaged the steering lock or an immobiliser?
4 If your car is not fitted with central locking, do you check the rear doors or do you assume they are locked? Check before you leave - it only takes a few seconds.
5 Do not leave the engine running and then leave the vehicle to go into a shop or to post a letter etc.
6 When you refuel your vehicle do not leave the keys in the ignition. Lock your vehicle when you refuel your vehicle, even if it is on a forecourt and it might be still in eyesight of the kiosk.
7 When parking your vehicle at night do not leave the vehicle keys just inside your letterbox. A common method used by thieves involves using poles and fishing rods to hook keys out properties through letterboxes.
8 If you must leave property in the car make sure it is out of sight. Put it in the boot, but ensure nobody is watching.
9 Do not make your car attractive to the thief. If there are items on show, whether valuable or not, they are likely to be stolen. The thief is not discerning. Everything should be removed.