With so many millions of vehicles on the roads, criminals tend to seek out soft targets.
The trick is for motorists to make their vehicle less appealing than those that surround it by first ensuring it has a wide range of security features: locking wheel nuts, anti-theft registration plates and a high-quality alarm.
Motorists should also consider the safest place to park – preferably somewhere thieves would feel uncomfortable as they are likely to be noticed. It makes sense then, to aim for a public parking place that is brightly lit and protected by closed-circuit television. At the very least, try to park close to a lamp post at night. Hide every item of cargo in the boot or glove box – even those with very little financial value. Sat-nav suction cups and on-board cameras leave rings on the windscreen that suggests there is a valuable item nearby. Wiping away any tell-tale marks before leaving the car is a good idea.
Locksmiths who offer car security equipment could benefit by drawing customers’ attention to the survey results and by providing their professional advice.
