Lancashire Police Vehicle Security Advice
28th of June, 2024
With the increasing number of vehicle related crimes, it is crucial to take proactive measures to secure your vehicle and ensure the safety of your belongings. This leaflet aims to equip you with the knowledge you need to safeguard your vehicle and deter potential thieves. By implementing the recommendations outlined in this guide, you can reduce the risk of your vehicle becoming a target for theft and minimise the chances of a break-in or vandalism.
1. Don’t leave valuables on show:
Leaving items on show is an invitation to the opportunist criminal - mobile phones, satnavs and mounts, power leads, money, wallets, handbags, sunglasses, coats, jackets, and bags should always be removed from the vehicle or hidden well out of sight.
2. Hide keys & fobs:
Keys and ignition fobs should be kept safe and out of sight and reach. A common way to steal a car is to take the keys or ignition fob, so never leave them in the vehicle, even if it is unattended for a moment. When at home ensure that your keys or ignition fob are kept well away from windows or doors so that they cannot be seen by a potential thief, and never leave them close to the front door where they can be accessed through letterboxes. We would recommend ignition fobs to be kept in a faraday wallet to isolate the signal commonly used by thieves to gain access to the vehicle.
3. Lock doors & close windows:
Always lock and close the windows of your vehicle when you leave it unattended - be this on the drive, the petrol station forecourt, when de-icing your vehicle in the winter or when getting a ticket to park. An unlocked vehicle is the easiest to steal from.
4. Fit an alarm:
If your vehicle is not fitted with a manufacturers’ fitted alarm or immobiliser, consider installing an approved system. Most new vehicles come with one fitted.
5. Install a tracker:
Tracker systems can increase the recovery of your vehicle if it is stolen. Many systems activate once the car is stolen and track the vehicle via GPS and other systems.
6. Use physical security:
Physical security products such as a steering wheel lock or a lock that fits over the gear lever still act as a good deterrent.
7. Secure your number plates:
Fit theft-resistant number plate fittings. Stolen number plates are commonly used to hide the identity of stolen vehicles. Use one-way clutch head screws to secure number plates.
8. Park under street lights:
If you are parking your vehicle on the street overnight, consider parking it under or near a street light. The opportunistic criminal does not want to be seen or caught and this simple step may protect your vehicle, not only from theft but also from someone causing criminal damage to your vehicle.
9. Consider a dash cam:
While dash cams themselves don’t directly prevent theft, they can act as a deterrent for potential thieves. The presence of a dash cam with parking mode enabled could be enough to make a thief think twice. Some dash cams even have built-in alarms to alert you of an attempted theft.
Report it online:
www.doitonline.lancashire.police.uk
For a non emergency call 101. Always call 999 if the crime is being committed now, the offender is nearby, or if you or other people are injured or in danger.