How to Prevent Car Theft?
According to StarLine System, an automotive security provider, 74,769 cars were stolen in 2020. Of that amount, 35% of those thefts were keyless, and 24% used a car key. So drivers must take the necessary precautions to decrease the risk of their car being targeted by thieves.
So what can I do to stop my car from being stolen?
Make sure that your car is locked
Ensuring your vehicle is locked, even when filling it up, will deter the opportunistic thief.
If your car’s wing mirrors fold inwards automatically when the car is locked, make sure that the car is locked properly. As thieves will be keeping an eye out for vehicles like these due to it being clear that the car isn’t locked.
Park your car in a well-lit area
When parking your car, it may be tempting to park close to where you need to be. Especially as you’ll be able to check on it easily if you need to.
However, parking your vehicle in a dark or secluded area can make it more attractive to car thieves.
It can be beneficial to park your car on a busy, well-lit street or even in a lit, staffed car park if possible.
Keep an eye out for illegal tow trucks
You’ll need to be vigilant, but it is known for thieves to pose as a car towing service to steal the vehicle. The signs to look for are if the truck they’re using isn’t branded and if the individuals aren’t wearing a uniform.
Reporting this activity as soon as possible can reduce the likelihood of illegal tow trucks stealing cars, including yours.
Stay alert for carjackers
For some car thieves, a driver being in their car isn’t a deterrent. If you find yourself in traffic, lock your doors and leave enough space in front of your vehicle should you need it.
If your car is bumped from behind, find a safe place to pull over where there are people since the person who collided with you could be a carjacker.
Keep the keys in a safe place
While this seems straightforward advice, it’s important to remember that thieves can go to certain lengths to steal a vehicle.
For instance, they may try to steal any keys left by the front door using a stick and hook through the letterbox. Keep car keys out of sight when you’re at home and in a safe place like your pocket when you’re out and about.
Cars with keyless entry are programmed to automatically unlock when the key is within a short distance of the vehicle.
To successfully steal a keyless entry car, thieves must replicate the signal transmitted between your key and the vehicle to fool the car into unlocking.
You can protect your keyless entry car by:
Keep the key and spare away from the vehicle when you’re at home
Use a signal-blocking bag
Reprogramme the keys if you’ve bought a second-hand car
When you’re not using the fob, turn off the wireless signal
When choosing in-car security locks for your vehicle, you want to ensure they’re reliable and of good quality.
Retailers like Halfords have an excellent selection of car security devices such as steering locks and signal blockers. Businesses specialising in security products like Sold Secure also provide many of the best car theft prevention devices.
Secure the port
If your car has an engine diagnostic port, you could consider purchasing a lockable cover as it can be accessed to unlock and start your vehicle.
What should I do if my car is stolen?
According to the GOV.UK website, you should report your vehicle as stolen to your insurance company and the police as soon as possible.
When calling the police, be sure you have your vehicle’s reg number, make and model and colour. You’ll get a crime reference number and the police will inform the DVLA if your car is found.
Your insurance company will tell you how to make an insurance claim. In the event that your insurance company pays out the claim, you will have to tell the DVLA that it’s been sold to the insurance company.