Vehicle Crime Advice

Vehicle crime affects many of us and can bring misery and despair. It certainly causes great inconvenience. The level of recorded vehicle crime in England and Wales has been reducing since the mid 1990s but there is no room for complacency. Theft of and from vehicles still accounts for around 20 per cent of all recorded crime.

Apart from the upset and inconvenience, car break-ins usually involve a smashed window or a damaged lock which are both costly and time consuming to the victim. On average, it takes between 4-5 hours to arrange and have repaired a smashed window or disabled lock and the cost varies from £100 - £400.

Most vehicle crime is opportunistic and therefore preventable. By following some straightforward advice, and working together, we can ensure that this type of crime keeps falling.

Top ten tips to keep your car safe

• Secure the doors and windows every time you leave the car.
• Items such as coats, bags and laptops should be removed from view.
• Remove any evidence of Sat Nav including unit cradles and ring marks – the home address should also be removed from the memory.
• If you have a garage – use it.
• Stereos, CD’s and other audio equipment should be removed from view when leaving the car.
• When parking in a narrow street, always move your wing mirrors in, so they do not get knocked off by a passing car.
• Use public car parks that are part of the police approved ‘Safer Parking Scheme’ Go to the Safer Parking website to find your nearest one.
• If possible, use the ‘Park and Ride’ schemes or public transport.
• Ensure that vans are secured and emptied of power tools – especially if being left over night.
• Good security in newer cars means that the only was to steal them is with the keys. Always take good care of them and never leave them by your front door or window.