1. Understand your vehicle’s security features
Before purchasing a vehicle, ask your vehicle dealer about the security of your vehicle and read the vehicle manual. Most dealers will be able to provide you with information on the security features and advice on how to improve the vehicle’s security further.
2. Parking
Always try to park your vehicle in a secure and well-lit location, ideally with CCTV, such as in a private car park. If you have a garage or driveway, park your vehicle there. This should deter thieves from attempting to steal or break into your vehicle.1 You might also consider a garage door alarm, doorbell camera or other CCTV as it may provide an additional layer of deterrence.
3. Lock your vehicle
Never leave your vehicle unlocked, even if away for only a few minutes. Close all windows and turn off the engine when leaving it unattended. Always physically check that the vehicle is locked and, where possible, always apply the vehicle’s double locking system or fit a steering wheel lock.
4. Hide and mark your valuables
When leaving your vehicle unattended, for any length of time, make sure all valuables are either out of the vehicle or, if not possible to remove them, hidden from view (e.g. in the boot or a locked glove compartment). This can include sat navs, stereos, tools, handbags, laptops, and any personal documents such as the vehicle registration or insurance documents. It may also be worth marking your property with a marking solution that is only visible under Ultraviolet (UV) light and registering your valuables on a free online property database. This will help the police trace your valuables if they are ever stolen or lost.
5. Keep the keys safe
- Always keep your keys in a secure place when not using the vehicle. Do not leave them in the ignition when leaving the vehicle unattended, as this could both present an easy target for thieves and invalidate your insurance cover.
- When storing them in your home, don’t leave them visible near external doors and windows, as thieves will sometimes break into homes to steal a vehicle’s keys. If your vehicle offers keyless entry or start functionality, store all keys as far away from the vehicle as possible or in signal-blocking pouches, such as specifically designed faraday pouches, and turn off the signal overnight, to prevent keyless entry theft. In circumstances, where mobile phones can be used as keys, you should take the same precautions as you would with a traditional key as outlined above.
6. Check the alarm
Alarms act as a strong deterrent to opportunistic thieves. Most new vehicles are fitted with alarms as standard. Regularly test the alarm to make sure it still works. If you own an older vehicle, consider fitting an alarm to further increase your vehicle’s security.
7. Consider installing an immobiliser
Immobilisers can add an additional layer of security to your vehicle. Mechanical immobilisers, such as steering wheel lock or gear clamp can both act as a visible deterrent to thieves and prevent thieves from driving the vehicle away. Built-in electrical immobilisers, which stops a vehicle from being started unless the correct digital key or token is present, will prevent thieves from driving your vehicle away. As with alarms, most new vehicles have an electrical immobiliser fitted as standard, so owners of older vehicles should consider having one installed.2 Even if your vehicle does have an electrical immobiliser, it is worth installing a mechanical immobiliser as well to provide an additional security layer.
8. Consider installing a tracking device
- Installing a tracking device can help the police trace your vehicle if it has been stolen and aid in the recovery of the vehicle and its contents. There are a variety of tracking devices available on the market including standard GPS trackers and those with additional features like an engine-inhibit function or even more advanced very high frequency (VHF) trackers.
- Vehicles fitted with telematics devices often incorporate vehicle tracking as standard. However, it is important to make sure the subscription on the tracking device is maintained.
9. Ensure vulnerable parts are protected
- Install the appropriate security measures to secure the vulnerable parts of your vehicle, such as locking wheel nuts or a catalytic converter lock. Speak to your vehicle dealer or insurer for advice on how best to secure your vehicle and its parts.
- You can also use a UV pen or etching to mark your vehicle’s vulnerable parts with the vehicle identification number (VIN) to deter thieves and make recovery easier. More information is available in the Theft of parts section.
10. Insurance
- Insurance companies can provide advice on improving the security of your vehicle, including suggesting additional security modifications. Insurers can also provide immediate assistance if your vehicle is stolen or broken into, such as use of a hire car and compensation for loss of personal possessions if included in your policy.
- It is important that you talk to your insurer to make sure you have the correct cover to suit your needs and read any policy documents carefully to understand the level of cover and any insurer requirements regarding vehicle security.
- Make sure you keep a copy of insurance documents outside the vehicle in case the vehicle is stolen.
1 Park Mark: The Safer Parking Scheme is national standard for UK car parks, supported by the Home Office. The Park Mark Scheme assesses the management practices and security measures of car parks. Those that have appropriate measures such as CCTV in parking areas and staircases, good lighting, and good management practices, achieve the Park Mark standard. Car parks that do meet the standard display a prominent sign so they can be easily identified and can be found on the Park Mark website: http://www.parkmark.co.uk/.
2 Aftermarket security devices, such as immobilisers and trackers can vary in quality and effectiveness. It is important to choose a device that meets your security needs and you are confident will perform when needed. Thatcham Research rigorously tests all new devices and certify those that meet their standards. Find out more about ‘Thatcham Approved’ security devices.
