Helpful ways to protect your car from crime

Driving

3 min read

A car is probably one of the most valuable assets you can own, apart from your home.

In many ways it is more than just a mode of transport to get from A to B. It is the key to independence for both young and old, an essential requirement to accessing your place of work, or is your source of work, especially if you own a van as well. For families it is the extra member that allows parents to take kids to school and after-school activities and is more commonly referred to as Mum and Dad’s taxi!

So when your vehicle is a victim of crime, and ruled out of action, it can make a real impact on your day-to-day life and can be financially damaging to you.

Here are just some hints and tips on how to help reduce the risk of being a victim of crime.

Don’t leave valuables on display: When it comes to mobile phones, electrical goods, handbags and purses, sunglasses, clothing and even tools, don’t leave them in view, either remove from the vehicle or place in the boot.

Key and Ignition Fobs: Keep these out of sight and securely stored, don’t leave them in the ignition and try and avoid leaving your keys close to the front door, where they can be easily taken by burglars if they access through your front door.

Vehicle windows: At this time of year, it may be tempting to leave your windows slightly open however to stop a burglar from being tempted, make sure you keep all windows locked and closed when the vehicle is unattended.

Use your garage: If you have a garage, make use of it by parking your vehicle in it overnight or when on holiday. Or if you have gates, make sure they are closed – if you create more diversions for a burglar it will be less attractive for them.

Is it locked?: Before you walk away from your vehicle make sure you listen out for the sound of the vehicle or watch the lights flashing when locking it so you are confident you are leaving it secure.

Security Systems: Camera doorbells are proving more and more popular, if you park your vehicle where one of these devices or CCTV is visible to burglars approaching your house, it will help to deter their actions.

Avoid a Relay Attack: There has been an increase in Relay Attacks in recent years when vehicles fitted with smart or passive keys can be accessed, when criminal’s use specialist equipment to take the signal from the key, which can be inside your home or place of work and appear like the key is in the car. To avoid this, place your keys in a secure pouch or metal box allowing the signal to be blocked.

Park wisely: Don’t pick the first place to park, choose a well-lit parking spot or somewhere that is secure or has CCTV in operation.

Tracker Device: Fitting a tracking device to your vehicle won’t prevent a vehicle from being stolen, however it will signal to you it’s movements and will help the police locate it. 

Leave documents at home: Keeping the logbook and service records in your vehicle will make it easier for criminals to sell on your vehicle after it has been stolen. You could become the victim of identity fraud and the same goes with leaving other personal documents in your vehicle including bank statements and forms of identification.

Stay safe while on the move: Car crime just doesn’t happen when you have left your vehicle unattended. While travelling, make sure you keep your doors locked so you aren’t targeted while in slow moving traffic or stopped at a red light.

Don’t leave your car running: As the colder mornings start to approach it’s tempting to start your car and leave it in the driveway to de-frost and warm up before embarking on your daily commute, however this gives burglars a perfect opportunity to jump in and drive off.

If you find yourself to be a victim of crime, dial 101 or in an emergency call 999 and contact our Customer Claims Helpline if you need to make a claim on 08000 28 28 70.

It’s important to have the right insurance in place to protect your vehicle and your belongings. Make sure you are covered under your Vehicle Insurance. 

As your trusted local insurance broker, AbbeyAutoline is here to help. Give us a call today on 08000 66 55 44 to get a quote or click here > Car Insurance