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Avoiding
Car Crime
Security
Tips for Motorists
Car crime makes up nearly 20% of all recorded crimes in
England and Wales. Car crime can be distressing and annoying as it can
cause a lot of inconvenience - you could be without your vehicle for weeks,
waiting for the garage to make repairs or for your car insurers to pay.
You will also potentially lose your No Claims Bonus and increase the premiums
on your car insurance. Thus you need to make sure that the security features
on your vehicle are considered as important as any other feature.
A
lot of car crime results from criminals seeing opportunities and taking
them. However it is not particularly difficult to outsmart the car thief,
and avoid car crime! Keep your Valuables and Possessions Safe, don't leave
anything on display in your car, and remember to take all your belongings
with you when you leave your car, including:
- Mobile
Phone
- Laptop
Computer
- Credit
and Debit Cards
- Cheque
Books
- Cash
- Vehicle
Registration Documents
- Private
Mail, especially with your private address on it
Keep
your Car Keys Safe
When you leave your car, always remove the ignition key and lock
all doors. It only takes a few seconds for a thief to jump into your car
and drive away. Follow this routine all the time, even when filling up
with petrol or just popping into the shop.
Window
Etching
Arrange to have all your car's registration number etched onto all glass
surfaces - including the headlamps. Or possibly have the last 7 digits
of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), or some other unique identifying
number linked to a recognised database. Ideally use a marking system associated
with a database which keeps to the Loss Prevention Council (LCP) standards.
Parking
If you have a garage, use it. Always lock your car and garage.
If you don't have garage, always try to park your vehicle in a well-lit,
open place. Thieves always like to steal from cars parked in places where
they run the least risk of being seen or disturbed. When you park your
car away from home always try to avoid places that:
- Are
unattended
- Have
easy access
- Are
concealed from public view
- Have
numerous escape routes
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