Car crime
Advice
Remove all valuables
Thieves are far more likely to steal from vehicles than they are to take the vehicles themselves. Many criminals take advantage of the opportunities they see - if the go past a car and see a mobile phone on the seat, they’ll break in and take it. If the vehicle looks empty, they are far more likely to leave it alone.
Don’t give criminals an easy ride - if at all possible take your valuables with you. If this really isn’t possible, it may be worth buying a vehicle boot safe to put items in.
Lock doors and close windows
If your vehicle is not locked or the windows open, it’s like leaving a welcome mat to a thief. However tempting it is – especially in hot weather or when you’re in a hurry – always secure your vehicle.
This applies even if you’re just going to the cash point or to pay for petrol – it can still be long enough for a thief to take your vehicle or any possessions left inside.
Don’t leave your vehicle with the keys in the ignition at any time, including when you’re loading or unloading shopping or baggage. And leaving the engine running to 'warm up' during the winter months not only risks having the vehicle stolen, it’s against the law. Drivers should always be in control of their vehicles when the engine is running.
When leaving your vehicle, don’t forget to check windows are firmly closed and all doors, including the boot, are locked. If you have an alarm and/or immobiliser, use them.
Otherwise consider having them fitted.
Park in a safe place
If you can, don’t park in an unattended car park, choose somewhere that is light and where members of the public regularly pass. Look to see if there are many escape routes as thieves will also find these attractive.
Parking in busy, well-lit areas, where there is closed circuit television (CCTV )coverage or at car parks with Secured by Design status will discourage many thieves from targeting your vehicle.
Car parks meeting this standard are:
- High Green, Cannock
- Road Chef M6 Toll, Norton Canes
- Nightowl Truckstop, Featherstone
- Codsall Co-op
- High Street, Kinver
- The Acre, Kinver
- High Street, Wombourne
- The Potteries Shopping Centre, Hanley
Keep your keys in a safe place
Some car thieves will specifically target addresses where they see high-value or high-performance vehicles parked outside. Keys to these vehicles are a particular target. Burglars have been known to use rods and other tools to fish through letterboxes, windows and even cat-flaps to reach keys. Don’t leave keys where they can be seen, including in hallways and make sure you have good home security.