How to make your car more secure

Have you ever wondered just how secure your vehicle really is?

In 2021 alone, over 89,000 motor vehicle thefts occurred in England and Wales and although this is a decline in numbers compared to the previous year, the fact is the numbers are still staggeringly high.

Don’t become a statistic in 2022. Read on to find out how you can make your vehicle more secure and help reduce the risk of vehicle theft… 

Keep your car keys out of view

We’d put money on the fact that your car keys are kept not too far from the front door. Are we right? If so, you are putting yourself at high risk of vehicle theft. Make sure you keep your car keys out of sight and ensure the spare key is secured somewhere safe. 

Hide any valuables from sight

Expensive sunglasses, a laptop, wallet, bags of shopping…we’ve all been guilty of leaving valuable items in our cars which can easily catch the eye of any would-be thief. If you do need to keep valuables in your car overnight or for long periods of time during the day, make sure they are hidden out of sight.

Think about where you park

If you don’t have access to a private driveway or secured parking such as a garage, then be mindful about where you park your car. If you rely on street parking, make sure you park in well-lit areas, or those in view of public surveillance cameras.   

Ensure your car is alarmed

Does your car have an alarm? Fitting a car alarm is one of the best ways to secure your vehicle. Most new cars come with some form of basic alarm system - mainly in the form of a standard trigger sensor. Installing a decent alarm can also help bring down the cost of your car insurance premium.

Make sure you have a car immobiliser

An immobiliser is a small electronic anti-theft device designed to stop a vehicle from being started without its proper key or fob. In 1998, car immobilisers were made a compulsory addition so most cars nowadays will have some form of immobiliser fitted. However, it’s always best to check that it’s in good working order. 

Check your vehicle is VIN engraved 

Having your Vehicle Identification Number - or VIN for short -  engraved on parts of your car is another great way of keeping it secure. The VIN is typically engraved in small white writing on the windows. It is more often than not added by the manufacturer or dealer from where you purchased your vehicle.   

Invest in a steering wheel lock

Although not as popular as they once were, steering wheel locks still have their place when it comes to car security. A steering wheel lock can be a great deterrent as when fitted, the locking device prevents movement in the steering wheel.  

Lastly, lock your car!

We appreciate you wouldn’t forget to lock your car on purpose, but it’s surprising just how many people walk away from their parked car without checking. Many new cars now have an automatic locking system when the key fob is a certain distance away, but if your vehicle doesn’t do this, then always double check.