New figures have shown that three out of four car thefts go unsolved. Police have been unable to find an answer to more than 100,000 cases of stolen motor vehicles in England and Wales last year.
Data has found that just two per cent of these incidents resulted in a suspect being charged. The data also shows that unsolved cases were up seven per cent on the previous year.
Leaving your car parked up is an integral part of vehicle ownership, so is there anything you’re able to do to make your motor less appealing to thieves? We’ve got some of the best tips on how to keep your vehicle safe – read on
Always keep valuables out of sight
One of the ways to stop would-be thieves from singling out your car is to remove any signs that showcase your car as a target. This starts with valuables, no matter how small. Remove bags, coats and shoes, taking them indoors where you can or storing them in the boot if you’re not able to bring them with you.
If you’re using a self mounted sat-nav or phone holder then make sure you remove the device and clean off the mark left on the glass, too, as this can sometimes lead thieves to believe that there’s still some valuable tech in the car. Also remove any charging cables or leads, too.
Park in a well-lit area
Thieves like to operate in unexposed, hard-to-see areas, which is why dark car parks and unlit streets provide the ideal opportunity to break into a car. If you park anywhere, try to find a well-lit area and, if you’re able to, check to see whether there are any CCTV cameras overseeing the spot you’ve chosen.
Whilst it isn’t always easy to find such places you should definitely be wary of where you’re leaving your car. A busy area, where people are often walking by, will also prove a deterrent to thieves.
Use a steering wheel lock
If you are really worried about how to keep your vehicle safe, then a traditional steering wheel lock can be the ultimate deterrent. Short of using an angle grinder to cut through the metal many thieves will be hard-pressed to crack one of these, particularly during the night when a lot of noise causes suspicion.
These locks aren’t too expensive either, provide a visual deterrent, and although you’ll have to take them off each time you get behind the wheel, can provide an extra bit of peace of mind when it comes to car security.
Invest in a Faraday case
Keyless entry-related car thefts have increased in recent years as the technology has become more widespread. It works by criminals using a ‘relay’ device which can lock onto the signal sent by your car’s key, clone that signal and then use it to unlock and start your car.
A signal-blocking pouch – often referred to as a ‘Faraday case’ – can stop thieves in their tracks. It’ll stop the signal from your key escaping, meaning that criminals aren’t able to lock onto it and use it to gain access to your car. You can find lots of options for Faraday cases here – https://www.amazon.co.uk/faraday-bag/s?k=faraday+bag
Turn off keyless entry and ignition
Another way on how to keep your vehicle safe is to turn off the keyless entry and ignition. Some keyless entry systems can be turned off, but it depends on the make and model of your particular vehicle. The best place to start is with your vehicle handbook as some models allow you to do this yourself through the menu systems or by pressing the key’s buttons in a particular order.
It may be necessary for you to contact your dealer in order to have the keyless function switched off if this is possible. Be sure that you understand what functions will be disabled along with the keyless operation, as it will likely require another trip to the dealership if you want to have it restored.
Install a tracker
Car tracking technology that can help the police get a precise location of your car if it is stolen. There are plenty of suppliers of these systems, too, and the tracker itself can be embedded in a part of the car which will make it hard to find for thieves.
While a tracker can’t stop your car from being stolen in the first place, it does provide the authorities with a proper tool to find your vehicle and get it back to you.
Fit a ‘GHOST’ Immobiliser
Car thieves are more sophisticated than ever before, so technology has had to evolve to outsmart them. If you own an expensive vehicle, especially with keyless entry, it is only a matter of time before your car become a target for thieves. A Ghost Immobiliser is a small price to pay to prevent thieves from stealing your pride and joy.
A Ghost Immobiliser uses buttons in your vehicle such as the steering wheel, centre console or door panels to create a unique pin code which needs to be entered before you can drive the car. The engine will not start until the pin code is entered correctly. It works just as a credit card, but even more secure as you can create up to 20 characters.
It is designed in a way that is unable to be detected by common thieves’ diagnostics or radio signals. A Ghost Immobiliser communicates with the engine control unit (ECU) in the vehicle. This stops a thief trying to bypass the system with a new key or replacing the ECU as only the correct pin code allows the vehicle to start.
Technology has certainly stepped up in the fight against car crime however, good old fashioned security can be enough to put would be thieves off.
Common sense should always prevail when considering how to keep your vehicle safe, for instance always making sure you lock your vehicle, parking responsibly and keeping your keys safe.
Buying the right Car
Certain vehicles are targeted by criminals due to their desirability or the ease in which they can be taken then often shipped to other countries and sold to unsuspecting buyers or stripped for parts.
If you are looking to change your vehicle then here at Car Auction Buying Service, we’re dedicated to finding the very best deal for you by working with our extensive list of auction partners and trade contacts including BCA, Manheim, Aston Barclay and G3.
To find out more or to enquire about buying your next vehicle from a nationwide or local auction, please give us a gallon 07999 728009. Alternatively, you can fill out our online form or visit our website www.carauctionbuyingservice.co.uk
