Car theft is unfortunately as bad as ever. In 2020 there were almost 20,000 more cars stolen than in 2019.[i] Even if your car is safely parked on base most of the time, it’s always worthwhile knowing the best ways to avoid getting your car stolen. This article will give you some tips to warn off any potential car thieves.
Simply things to do to keep your car safe
- Always make sure your car is secure before you leave it, even if you just need to leave it for a few minutes. Always shut the doors and windows and lock your car.
- Never leave your car running unattended and always remove the keys from the ignition.
- Never leave any personal items on display. It only takes thieves seconds to smash a car window and steal your property.
- Use secure car parks ideally with monitored barriers or park in busy well-lit areas.
- Use steering wheel or gear shift lock, potential thieves will see them and be put off targeting your car.
- Think about installing an audio alarm or get an electronic engine immobiliser fitted, if it doesn’t come as standard.
- Consider getting a tracking system fitted. If it’s used along with other devices, it might even bring down the cost of your car insurance premium.
Keyless entry
Over the years technology for cars has improved massively, and for some people now you can unlock your car by just having your keys on you and close to the car. But how safe is this?
If you have a car with keyless entry, you might find the following security tips from Thatcham Research useful. The motor insurers’ automotive research centre advises you to:
- Contact your dealer and talk about the digital features in your car. Have there been any software updates you can take advantage of to improve your car’s security?
- Check if your keyless entry fob can be turned off. If it can, and your dealer can also confirm this, then make sure you turn it off overnight.
- Store your keys away from household entry points. Keeping your keyless entry fob out of sight is not enough – thieves only need to gain proximity to the key to amplify its signal.
- Be vigilant and keep an eye out for suspicious activity in your neighbourhood.
Parking at home
Even if your car is parked on your driveway or the street near your house, its safety isn’t guaranteed. There are many small home CCTV systems which aren’t expensive, and they could help catch someone who does try to steal your car. A motion sensor activated security light may also put thieves off.
The more layers of protection you can add the less appealing your car will be to criminals.
And last, but by no means least, make sure that your car keys are not left in an obvious place such as a key hook by the front door or in sight when you are out and about, these are the first place would-be thieves would look.
Forces Mutual provides car insurance for the Military family. For more information about our Car Insurance and how you could benefit, click here or call 0151 363 5290.
Forces Mutual Car Insurance is provided by Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Ltd.
PMGI Limited, trading as Forces Mutual is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Financial Services Register No. 114942. Registered in England & Wales No.1073408. Registered office: Brookfield Court, Selby Road, Leeds, LS25 1NB. For your security, all telephone calls are recorded and may be monitored.
[i] https://www.rivervaleleasing.co.uk/blog/posts/uks-most-stolen-cars-the-latest-update-rivervale-leasing