How to Prevent Your Car from Theft
Tuesday 13th December 2022
How to prevent your car from theft
Often, when we discuss car safety, we talk about things like wheel alignment and brake checks - yet we rarely discuss how to keep your car safe from theft. So today, we’re sharing our top car theft prevention tips to ensure your vehicle is always safe and secure.
Invest in security devices
One of the most effective ways to prevent car theft is to invest in additional security devices. You see, although most modern cars already have immobilisers installed, these standardised security systems aren’t always enough. So, we recommend staying one step ahead by investing in the following security devices:
Wheel locks
Although it may sound outdated, there is a reason steering wheel locks continue to be one of our top car theft prevention tips! Acting as a visual deterrent, these locks often prevent thieves from even attempting to steal your car. Instead, they will almost always opt for an easier target.
If someone did try to steal your car, a steering wheel lock would make the process significantly more challenging and time-consuming, meaning the thief is far more likely to get caught in the act.
Electronic immobilisers
Electronic immobilisers only allow you to start your engine if you’re using the correct coded key - meaning burglars can’t start your car unless they have your unique set of keys.
Since October 1998, all vehicles manufactured in England and Wales have been installed with standardised immobilisers to help prevent car theft. However, if your vehicle was created before 1998, you can manually install an electronic immobiliser. Not only will this help keep your car safe from theft, but it will also reduce your insurance premium as your car is at less risk of being stolen.
Trackers
Although trackers can’t actively prevent car theft, they can help the police locate - and retrieve - your car if it is ever stolen.
Using GPS technology, trackers allow you to monitor your car’s location in real time. Again, this can help reduce your insurance premium – yet another reason to improve your car’s security system.
Take care on car parks
If you want to learn how to keep your car safe from theft, you need to understand which precautions to take when parking and leaving your vehicle. With that said, here are three things to consider when parking your car in a public place:
Park in well-lit areas
When parking, try to find a spot that is well-lit and close to the building you are visiting. Why? Because your car will be clearly visible to CCTV cameras and people passing by. So, if someone did try to steal your car, they would almost certainly be caught in the act.
Hide your valuables
Before leaving your vehicle, make sure to hide your valuables – even if you’re just nipping into the shops. Otherwise, there is a greater chance that thieves will target your car. It may sound simple, but taking two minutes to hide your valuables can make all the difference when it comes to car theft prevention.
Double-check your vehicle
Finally, don’t forget to double-check that your car is locked. Although it may sound excessive, some thieves use “jammers” to intercept the signal from your key fob to prevent you from locking your car. Similarly, it’s also worth checking that all your windows are shut before leaving your vehicle. Otherwise, if your car is stolen, you won’t be covered by insurance - so it’s always worth double-checking your vehicle to prevent your car from theft.
Enhance your home security
Car theft prevention isn’t just for public car parks - unfortunately, it extends to our homes too. So how do you keep your car safe from theft when parked outside your home?
Install security cameras
In the same way that house alarms deter burglars from breaking into your home, security cameras can deter them from stealing your vehicle. So consider installing CCTV outside your home to help prevent car theft.
Home security cameras are now incredibly affordable and accessible, so don’t worry about spending hundreds on elaborate equipment! Doorbell cameras can capture high-quality footage, which can be handed over to the police if you do capture any criminal activity.
Prevent relay attacks
In the past, thieves would either have to steal your keys or hot-wire your car to steal your car. However, as keyless cars have become increasingly popular, so have relay attacks. Relay attacks are when criminals use a device to transfer the signal from your keys into a secondary box placed beside your car to unlock it. As a result, they can steal your car without ever touching your keys or entering your home. So how do you protect your car from relay attacks?
Firstly, don’t leave your car keys by the front door as this makes it much easier for thieves to steal your car. Secondly, try storing your keys in a metal container or safe – this will block the signal from ever reaching your keys.
Safely store your documents
Although safely storing your vehicle’s documents won’t prevent car theft, it will reduce the risk of your car being sold on if it is stolen. So, instead of storing your logbook in your car, find a safe place to file it at home.
Motorist safety and security go hand in hand. So now that your well equipped with car theft prevention tips, why not pay us a visit at your Local Formula One Autocentre? From Car Services to MOTs, we are committed to providing the highest quality car maintenance services for the most competitive prices! So, get in touch today and ensure your vehicle is both safe and secure.
