Stolen cars - be warned

Cars get stolen every day, whether they are new, used, old, fast, slow, modern etc. Do not presume that just because you own an older car that this does not mean your car will not become a target. In fact, if anything, thieves may see your car as a potential gold mine. It may not be worth anything at face value, but breaking the vehicle to retrieve the parts and sell them on is a common way for thieves to make quick money. This is especially the case if your car is an older model, because spare parts are harder to come by for older models, so are much more valuable and expensive.

We were shocked to discover how many drivers tend to leave windows open a little on warm days, how they leave valuable possessions in clear view on dashboards and seats and how blase they are about thieves targeting their own vehicle. It is easy for a criminal to realise what possessions are in a car for them to make a quick sale - anything from; - ipods, cd's, cd case holders (full of cd's), hands-free sets, mobile phones, wallets/purses, satellite navigation, cd players etc. We were also shocked to discover that some people leave their mail - including bank statements - in their cars. Not only would the thief/thieves be able to steal your car and possessions, but they could also steal your whole identity!

Please don't presume this will not happen to you, take precautions and you could avoid the thieves stealing from you:

• Don't leave possessions in clear view inside the car - always place valuable items in the glove box, under your car seats or in the car boot.
• Make sure all windows and doors are locked before leaving the vehicle unattended.
• If you do not have one already, get a car alarm installed.
• Try not to leave your car over night in a secluded, dark area where not many people would be able to see anyone stealing your car.
• Remove CD/DVD players from your car.
• For around £50 you can buy a steering wheel lock. For another £80 you can buy a 'tyre claw' lock that will keep one wheel from moving.
• You can get an alarm fitted to your vehicle from between £150-£300 at any car shop. The alarm will go off when the door is opened without a key.
• You can get a 'kill switch' installed which will not allow engines to start unless there is a precise-matching key.

The best way to deter thieves, is to not give them a reason to want to access your vehicle in the first place. They know exactly what they are looking for, exactly how much they can get for the possessions in your car and exactly where to sell your car for scrap. You are basically inviting thieves to steal your car by leaving possessions in plain view.

Did you know that most thieves target cars that are in small and quiet residential areas? including residential and apartment complexes? their other favourite places are gym, restaurant and shopping car parks, some have even said that their car has been stolen in the church car park on a Sunday!

Please take care!