What can you do to make your car secure?

Keep your valuables and possessions safe

Don’t leave anything on display in your car. Before commencing your journey put any items of value in the boot.

Never leave the following items on display; they are all particularly attractive to car thieves.

o Mobile Phones

o Laptop Computers

o Credit and debit cards

o Cheque books

o Cash

o Vehicle registration documents

o Private mail, especially with your address on it

o Keys

o CD’s

o MP3 players

Security Devices

Locks or other security devices are always great ways to secure your car and put off would be thieves.

• Electronic Immobilisers are a sure way to put off car thieves, but they must be fitted by main dealers or installers accredited by the Vehicle System Installation Board. All new cars in the UK since October 1998 are fitted with electronic immobilisers.
• Mechanical Immobilisers, such as steering-wheel locks are a good alternative to electronic immobilisers. They are easy to fit yourself and not expensive.
• Fit Wheel locking Nuts, as wheels are often a target for car thieves. Wheel nuts are not expensive and are easy to fit.
• An Alarm can help to keep your car secure but it must be installed professionally to be effective.

If you have a security device – Use it!

Keep your car keys safe

• When you leave your car, always remove the ignition key and lock all doors – It only takes a few seconds for a thief to jump into your car and drive away. Follow this routine every time, even when filling up with petrol or just popping to the shop.
• On icy mornings, never leave your vehicle unattended with the engine running to warm it up or defrost the windows.
• At home always keep your car keys in a safe place which is out of sight and away from windows and doors.

Doors and Windows

Lock all doors and close all windows and the sunroof every time you leave your car unattended.

Etching

Arrange to have your cars registration number or last 7 digits of your VIN number etched onto all glass services – including the headlamps.

Security Marking

• Consider marking all your valuables, especially those you take in the car. Mark items with your postcode or some other unique identifying number linked to a recognised database. If any of your articles have serial numbers keep a note of them in a safe place. This should help the police return your possessions to you if they are stolen and recovered. It also helps to convict criminals.

You can also register your property on a national database www.immmobilise.com

This database is used by most of the police forces in the UK including South

Wales Police. The register is free to use and enables you to record the serial numbers of all your valuable items. ie lap tops, mobile phones, bikes, I Pods, TV’s etc. This can assist in convicting offenders and enable the return of your property to you.

Consumer Electronics

Always remove your in-car electronic equipment, particularly satellite navigation devices and car stereos.

With Satellite Navigation equipment remember also to remove any support cradle and suction pads and wipe away any suction pad marks on the windscreen and dashboard. Do not put these items in the glove box or under the seat.

Parking

If you have a garage, use it. Always lock your car and garage; always try to park in a well lit, open place.

When you park your car away from home, always try to avoid places that

- are unattended

- have easy access

- are concealed from public view

- have many escape routes

Crime

If you become a victim of Car Crime contact the Police to report the matter. Bridgend Police hold regular car clinics to capture forensic evidence. This will help bring perpetrators to account for this crime which is a cost to every motorist (e.g. through increased insurance premiums)

Buying a used Car

You can protect yourself by following the advice below

• Contact an organisation, such as the AA, who will be able to tell you whether the vehicle has been stolen or in a crash.
• Always arrange to meet the person selling the car at their house, not at your h house or another meetng place.
• Check any security etchings to make sure they match and have not been removed.
• Always check the registration documents and service history.

Further Information

You can get more information about alarms, immobilise and other security devices by phoning the Vehicle Security National Helpline on 0870 550 2006 or the Sold Secure Helpline 01327 264687

Alternatively contact your local Crime Reduction Tactical Advisor

Deborah Elward on 01656 679558 or e mail deborah.elward@south-wales.pnn.police.uk