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 .