During the previous years, the authorities have been recording data of increasing car crimes in the UK. News reports have also concluded that this type of crime has been on the rise over the years, which make motorists and car owners avail car insurance and observe other measures to increase the security of their vehicles.
Vehicle security is an important issue for all motorists. But there are measures that can easily be taken to help prevent you becoming a victim. And what’s more, some of these measures could also get you a reduction in the cost of car insurance. Here are some of the tips you can follow to increase the safety of the valuables inside your vehicle, and your car as well:
Install a car alarm
Although they can’t physically stop a car or valuables kept inside from being stolen, a thief will likely think twice before tackling a set of wheels that he or she knows will get everyone’s attention if the alarm’s set off. Most modern cars come pre-equipped with an alarm. If you drive an older vehicle, getting an alarm professionally fitted will help secure your car and could result in cheaper car insurance.
Invest in a car immobiliser
A car immobiliser is an electronic device which prevents a car from being started by someone who doesn’t have the proper key. While an immobiliser won’t stop a car from being broken into, it may stop it from being stolen.
Beginning October of 1998, new UK cars have had immobilisers fitted as standard, but if you drive an older car, getting an immobiliser professionally fitted will help secure your car and could mean cheaper car insurance.
Find a secure parking
If your home doesn’t have a driveway or a garage, one of the best ways to increase the security of your vehicle is by finding a secure parking lot and use it. Experts say that it is always the best idea to park inside a facility with a ticket barrier or attendant. If you have to park on the street, do so in a busy, well-lit area, and if at all possible, beneath the gaze of a CCTV camera.
Hide your valuables
It’s not just car thieves you have to worry about, there are plenty of crooks out there who are simply after your valuables. Never leave expensive goodies out on display within your car – it’s just too tempting for the opportunistic thief.
Make use of your glove compartment or boot to hide your mobile phones, laptops, bags, and other valuables.
Never forget to lock your car
This may seem like a no-brainer, but plenty of cars get stolen as a result of forgetful owners. Do it even if you’re only leaving the car for a short while, even when just refilling your vehicle’s fuel.
The same goes for windows and sunroofs: always close them when you leave the car, no matter how short a time you’re away.
But worse than leaving a car unlocked is leaving a car unlocked and with the key still in the ignition – that’s just making a car thief’s job too easy. Moreover, never leave or keep your car keys near front door. Thieves have been known to pop a coat hanger through the letterbox to hook the key ring.
Tint your vehicle
News sources have listed Smash and Grab or car theft as one of the 12 crimes of Christmas. One gang in London reportedly took over £500,000 worth of property and money in one Smash and Grab incident. The Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology published a research that further proves how the festivities influence a higher crime rate than usual. Although some cases of Smash and grab don’t involve thieves and experienced criminals. Some perpetrators could also be just impulsive vandals.
Car window tinting does a great job in making your vehicle just like everybody else’s, keep your car low key. The privacy it provides the people inside it is the same with the protection it will give your belongings inside it.
The dark tint will keep thieves from seeing your belongings inside the car. If they are uncertain if there is money or a thing of high value in there, they won’t risk being caught by smashing and grabbing yours.
And, if unfortunately, some criminals try and steal your things inside your vehicle and smash your windows, high quality tint films hold shattered glass intact. Your car windows may be broken but it will not still give the perpetrators access inside.
SOURCES:
- http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3312206/London-smash-grab-gang-caught-bravery-hero.html
- https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2011/dec/01/12-crimes-christmas
- https://protectivegroup.com.au/car-security/
- https://www.confused.com/on-the-road/safety/car-security-tips
