A presentation at How To Keep Your Car Safe And Secure by Emma Young
Car theft is a major issue worldwide. According to the DVLA, in 2022, 58,082 vehicles were stolen, averaging around 1,117 per week. No vehicle owner wants to be part of this alarming statistic, particularly when your car is your pride and joy. Fortunately, there are numerous things you can do to safeguard your car from theft. From innovative anti-theft devices to selective parking, by considering the following tips, you can rest assured that your car is as safe and secure as possible.
As obvious as it seems, the single most effective way to ensure security for your vehicle is to keep it locked, even when stepping away for a brief period of time. Thieves are opportunistic, so don’t tempt fate by failing to lock up. For keyless entry systems, you can safeguard against theft by turning off your keyfob’s wireless signal. Alternatively, you could purchase a signal-blocking pouch so you can store your car key fob safely.
Leaving valuables in your car is thoroughly inadvisable. Regardless of whether or not your vehicle is locked, valuables, such as your phone or laptop, left in plain sight make your car an instant target for thieves. Take all valuable items with you after parking up, including wallets, handbags, shopping bags and even sunglasses - anything that may seem appealing. If you have no choice other than to leave valuables in your car, hide them out of sight in the boot or glove compartment.
Your parking location has a significant impact on your vehicle’s security. Undeniably, the safest place to park your car is inside a locked garage on your property. However, if street parking is necessary, avoid dark, secluded areas - for your personal safety as well as that of your vehicle. Opt for well-lit, well-populated areas to deter thieves, ideally somewhere close by where you can keep an eye on your car or an area covered by security cameras.
Speaking of cameras, installing a good-quality security system will help to deter potential break-ins and acts of vandalism. There are many varying types of vehicle security systems available, so choosing one that is right for your needs and budget is vital, as some are more sophisticated than others. For example, some in-car systems may include features such as motion sensors or alarms to alert you or the authorities should your car be tampered with or stolen. You may also want to consider installing security cameras outside your property as an extra precaution.
A brand-new set of 4x4 alloy wheels can be incredibly tempting for criminals. To reduce the chance of your rims being stolen, ensure you have locking wheel nuts and replace them every few years. You could also consider wheel clamps, which act as a highly visible and effective deterrent. While applying wheel clamps every time you park up for the evening may seem like an unnecessary hassle, they are quick to fit and relatively lightweight - those few extra minutes spent boosting your vehicle’s security are worth every second.
GPS tracking devices are exceptional items of technology, enabling you and the authorities to determine your vehicle’s location and direction of travel in the unfortunate event it is stolen. Although GPS tracking devices are discreet and don’t necessarily act as a deterrent, purchasing one will help with theft recovery so that you can be reunited with your car as quickly as possible. Trackers can be wired directly into your car’s electronic system, fastened with a magnet to any metal component or concealed within the cabin.
Quick-release steering wheels can mostly be found within the cabins of professional racing cars. However, they can act as an excellent security measure. After all, it is incredibly complicated to steal a car without a steering wheel. If you’re considering installing an aftermarket quick-release steering wheel for security purposes, choose a high-quality product compatible with your car’s make and model. It is also worth having it professionally installed to ensure your vehicle is safe and roadworthy, as is the case with any form of aftermarket modification. You can read more about modifying your car safely and legally in this article.
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