Prevent car break-ins

Car break-ins and having your valuables stolen can be distressing. Any property visible inside your car can attract a thief.

Here are three simple steps to help prevent your car being broken into.

Remove valuables

• Any items visible in your car, even shopping bags and clothing, can entice thieves!
• Items most often stolen are money/purse/wallet, personal items like jewellery/clothing/keys, or tech like phones/smartwatches/laptops.
• Remove items if you can. If you can’t, keep them out of sight or secure them.
• This means valuables outside the vehicle too, e.g. roof or tailgate racks, holiday top boxes or toolboxes.
• If you can’t remove them, make sure they are self-locking or secured with quality padlocks or cable locks. Attach to the vehicle where possible.
• If you can’t remove items, like tools from a work vehicle; engrave or mark tools with your business name or driver’s licence number. Marked items are less valuable to thieves. Photograph valuable tools and their serial numbers.
• Secure your number plates with tamper-resistant screws. Number plates are valuable to criminals and tamper resistant screws make them harder to steal.

Park safely

• If possible, park in a garage, carport, gated driveway or at least off the road.
• Don’t forget to close gates or garage doors. Lock them if you can.
• If you are parking on the street, try to park in a well-lit area, close to home. A thief might move on if there is a higher chance they will be seen.
• If you’re not at home; park in a secure car park and take any car park ticket with you. If you are parking in the street, park in a busy, well-lit area.

Lock it

• Lock vehicle doors. All the time. Every time.
• A parked car with open windows (even ‘just a little bit’ open) is tempting to thieves. Close windows and sunroofs; even on hot days!

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