Secure your vehicle

Karen Neville

Thames Valley Police have some advice on keeping your car safe

Having your car broken into and losing your things to thieves can be very distressing. Here are a few steps you can take to help keep your vehicle, and what’s in it, safe. 

Lock your vehicle

Even when filling up or parked on your drive this greatly reduces the possibility of it being targeted by an opportunist thief. Even if you have electronically locked your vehicle, double check it and ensure you haven’t left any windows or the sunroof open. Many thieves will not hesitate to walk up your driveway and try the handles to see if your car will open.  

If your vehicle has wing mirrors that fold in automatically when locked, make sure you lock it properly. Opportunist thieves and criminal gangs may look for vehicles like these where the wing mirrors are still out because it is clear to them that the vehicle has been left unlocked. 

Keep the keys safe

Keep your keys out of view when at home, and away from your front door. It’s not uncommon for car keys to be stolen from inside your home by thieves fishing for them with a stick and hook through the letterbox. 

Keyless entry

Cars with keyless entry unlock automatically when the key comes within a short distance of the car. This can be from inside a pocket or bag.  

Keyless car theft or ‘relay theft’ is when a device is used to fool the car into thinking the key is close by. This unlocks the car and starts the ignition. Thieves only need to be within a few metres of your car key to capture the signal, even if it’s inside your home. Even if your car and home are secure, thieves can still unlock, start and steal your car. 

Protect your keyless entry car 

• Fit a steering wheel stop lock as a physical deterrent. Some models can link to pedals and gear sticks. 

• Consider blocking in your keyless car with another non-keyless entry car. 

• At home keep your car key (and spares) well away from the car. 

• Put the keys in a screened or signal-blocking pouch, such as a Faraday Bag. 

• Re-programme your keys if you buy a second hand car. 

• Turn off wireless signals on your fob when it’s not being used. 

Display and you will pay! Leave it on show, expect it to go! 

Please don’t tempt thieves – your mobile phone, spare coins, sunglasses, packs of medication or other items that can earn quick cash are irresistible to opportunist thieves. Wallets, handbags, purses and credit cards should never be left in an unattended vehicle. Even an old coat or a plastic bag can tempt a thief.