Car crime
Theft from motor vehicles
Most thefts from vehicles are opportunist. If valuable possessions (e.g. handbags, laptops, sat navs, iPods, mobile phones, cameras) are left on show inside a vehicle, it is much more likely to be targeted by thieves. Even items of little value, such as shopping bags, clothing and loose change, may tempt a potential thief to break into the vehicle to see whether they contain anything worth stealing.
- When leaving your car, close all windows and lock your car.
- Park your car in an attended car park.
- Look for public car parks approved by the Park Mark scheme.
- When parking at home, use your garage. If you don't have a garage, park in a well-lit area.
- Don't leave anything on display in your vehicle.
- Take all your personal possessions with you.
- Remove sat nav holders and visible sat nav ring marks from windscreens.
- Leave the glove box open to show there's nothing inside.
- Fit an alarm or immobilizer to your car.
- Record the details of your property on the Immobilise website.
- Do not store your car's documents in the car.
- Secure your wheels using locking wheel nuts.
The Thames Valley Police website gives advice on how to avoid your vehicle from attracting thieves.
Alarms
You should only buy security devices or services that are approved. More information about alarms can be found on the Thatcham and Sold Secure website.