Prevent vehicle theft
Measures you can take to reduce the chances of your motor vehicle being stolen.
Vehicle theft can be significantly inconvenient, as you could be without a car for a long time while you wait for garage repairs or for your insurance to pay out.
Most vehicles are stolen by criminals seeing, and taking, opportunities. Always double-check that all windows and doors are locked when you leave your vehicle – and follow our advice.
Tips to keep your vehicle safe
Park in well-lit, secure places
Thieves will be less likely to target your vehicle if they believe they might be disturbed trying to steal it.
If you use street parking at home, avoid parking in dark and secluded areas. Leave your vehicle in a well-lit and busier street, even if that means an extra five or ten-minute walk.
If you need to use a car park, try to find one that is staffed or a car park with a Park Mark safer parking award.
Use extra security measures
Sold Secure list a range of security-rated products, such as steering wheel locks, pedal boxes and gear-stick locks. Some of these products, tested to Sold Secure Diamond, can resist a small hand-held angle grinder.
Check whether your vehicle has a Thatcham-rated category 1 or 2 alarm system with tracking, anti-grab and movement sensors can help protect and trace your vehicle.
You could also have an immobiliser installed. This can prevent a vehicle from starting unless the correct fob, key or activation process is used.
If your vehicle does not currently have an alarm system or immobiliser, consider having one fitted.
Install cameras
If you have a driveway you can park on at home, you could install:
- security cameras, CCTV or motion-activated lighting or doorbells
- a dashcam with parking mode to record suspicious activity
Not only will these methods deter criminals, but they can also catch them in the act and provide evidence for us to seek a prosecution.
Prevent keyless car theft
Keyless car thefts or ‘relay attacks’ involve criminals using devices to trick the vehicle into thinking the key is close to it.
Thieves only need to be a few metres away from your keys to capture the signal, even if you think your keys are secure inside your home.
This means thieves can still unlock, start and steal your car, often under the veil of darkness when owners are asleep.
Find out more about preventing keyless car theft from the Master Locksmiths Association.
Keep your documents at home
It is advisable to have your driving licence with you, but everything else can stay at home.
Make sure you keep service records or logbooks in your home, rather than in your vehicle’s glovebox.
Leaving those documents in your vehicle will make it easier for the thieves to sell it, and you leave yourself open to becoming a victim of identity theft.
Stay safe selling a vehicle privately
If you are selling your vehicle privately, be aware of the risks posed by fraudulent buyers and potential payment issues.
When arranging for potential buyers to view your vehicle, make sure you:
- ask for their full name and contact number
- request proof of ID, such as a driving licence, when arranging a viewing
- meet at your home, ideally during daylight hours
- have someone with you during the viewing for added safety
- never reveal your security setup
Should the buyer want to take the vehicle for a test drive:
- never let them go on a test drive alone, there is a risk they will not come back
- check they have adequate insurance, otherwise you may be liable for any collisions or incidents
Before giving the buyer keys to your vehicle, ensure you:
- accept bank transfers, as that method offers you more protection other payments
- check the payment has cleared before giving the buyer keys to your vehicle