Driving tips

Car security

Has your car ever been stolen? Or broken into and the radio taken? At best it's inconvenient. At worst very distressing.

But many drivers don't even take the most basic security precautions aimed at preventing or at least deterring thieves.

Here we offer some key advice to help you stop the thieves from striking in the first place.

If you don't want your car stolen, you should:

• Lock it (preferably in a secure garage) overnight
• Remove the key! (Many cars have been stolen from petrol stations)
• Engage the steering lock
• Use a visible security device (e.g. steering wheel or handbrake lock)
• Fit an anti theft alarm or immobiliser - and use it - or at least badge your vehicle as if you have them!
• Close all windows tight (but don't leave pets in a vehicle with windows completely shut)
• Get your car registration number etched on all major windows
• Never leave a cabriolet or soft top vehicle where it will be vulnerable, for example in an unlit area overnight

If you don't want any valuables stolen from your car:

• Use attended or secure car parks
• Remove all your valuables or lock them out of sight (especially credit cards, wallets, handbags, cases or mobile phones)
• NEVER leave your vehicle documents, such as your driving licence, inside the car
• Install a security-coded radio or remove it when you leave the car.

Remember that most thieves are just opportunists or so-called 'joy riders' who can very often be deterred by a properly secured vehicle. While determined professional thieves will probably get into and steal any vehicle, they'll very often be too busy with the badly secured ones to bother with yours.....if you follow our advice!