Vehicle theft protection is essential for anyone with their own motor. There's nothing worse than waking up in the morning and your car not being there. It's stressful and causes a lot of hassle.
With thieves constantly devising new ways to bypass modern security measures, drivers must remain one step ahead to keep their vehicles safe.
In this blog, we'll delve into the strategies, technologies, and personal practices you can introduce to enhance the protection of your vehicle against potential thefts.
We talk about:
Basic Steps to Follow
Securing your vehicle begins with the basics. If you cover the basics and cut out any silly mistakes, you'll go a long way in protecting your vehicle from thieves. Here's what we'd recommend doing:
- Check it's locked - This may sound simple, but checking and checking again that your car is locked is very important. A lot of the time, we lock our vehicles on autopilot, and believe it or not, sometimes we forget. Every time you leave the car, double-check it's locked.
- Keep valuables out of sight - Don't leave any expensive devices or electronics in view. Try hiding them in the boot, or even better, take them inside.
- Turn your car wheels into the curb - Simple and effective. Turning your wheels to the curb makes it a lot harder for thieves to make a quick getaway.
- Close the windows - When you leave the car, close your windows completely. Even if they are opened the slightest, a thief can use this to access your vehicle.
- Get a steering wheel lock - Steering wheel locks are a visual deterrent as they take a long time to remove. Opportunist thieves want a quick getaway, so they will avoid a car with a steering wheel lock.
- Don't leave your car running - Even if you're nipping inside for a minute, don't leave your car running. This is exactly what a thief wants, as it makes their job a lot easier.
Smart Parking Choices
Before leaving your vehicle, think about where it's parked. If you don't have access to off-road parking, try to park in a well-lit area that has plenty of CCTV cameras and lots of traffic flow.
Even if you're in a rush, don't just park in the first space you see. If you rush the process, you'll likely pick a spot that isn't secure, resulting in a higher chance of your vehicle being stolen. Try to leave some time to find a safe and secure parking space.
To find a safe and secure parking space, check out Park Mark.
If in doubt, turn to technology. From cutting-edge security systems that integrate with your smartphone to the emergence of biometric security measures, the possibilities for protecting your vehicle from thieves are ever-expanding.
For a little extra money, you can go a long way in keeping your car secure. Here's some of the technology we'd recommend:
- Dash cam - Some dash cams come with a parking mode that provides 24/7 impact and motion detection. If an opportunist thief sees a dash cam, they're less likely to try and break into your car.
- Faraday cages - A Faraday cage is a small box that blocks the signal of your key once placed inside. This prevents thieves from cloning your key's signal. If you have a keyless start car, we'd definitely recommend getting a Faraday cage.
- Immobilisation technology - Getting an immobiliser for your car is probably the most effective way of keeping it safe. With an immobiliser, your vehicle will not start until a specific code has been inputted.
- CCTV - If you park your car outside your home, installing a CCTV camera is a great way to deter thieves. It watches over your car at all times, providing protection and vital footage if the worst happens.
- Driveway security light - If you park your car in your driveway, a driveway security light will instantly light up when an intruder sets foot on your driveway. This should alert you or your neighbours and help you catch the thief.
- Invest in security window etching - According to Halfords, etched vehicles are 45% less likely to be stolen and 50% more likely to be recovered.
- GPS tracking - Although this won't prevent your vehicle from being stolen, it means you'll know exactly where your car has ended up if the worst happens.
Keyless cars offer drivers great convenience but they also present unique security challenges. Thieves are always adapting to new technologies and have developed methods to exploit the keyless entry system used in modern cars.
Therefore, it's essential owners do all they can to protect their keyless entry car. Here are some ways to safeguard your keyless car:
- Use a Faraday cage - As we mentioned above, a Faraday cage blocks the signal from your car key, preventing thieves from capturing it to gain entry to your vehicle. When you get back home, we recommend keeping your key in a Faraday cage, especially overnight.
- Turn off keyless entry - If you don't use keyless entry all that much, you can turn it off (if your car allows). This can be done through your car's settings menu or by reading your car's manual.
- Regularly update your car's software - Manufacturers often release software updates to fix security vulnerabilities, so ensure your car software is as up-to-date as possible.
- Re-programme your car keys - If you've lost a set of keys, it's worth re-programming your keys to prevent the odd chance that the lost keys fall into the wrong hands.
Even if you live in an incredibly safe area, there is always the possibility of having your vehicle stolen. Remain vigilant at all times and consider the possibility of an opportunist thief operating in the area.
If you are unsure about an area or see someone loitering around vehicles in the area, it's best to stick with your gut instinct and park somewhere else.
The power of community should not be underestimated in the fight against vehicle theft. Neighbourhood watch programmes and a good relationship with local law enforcement can lead to safer communities for everyone.
Collective vigilance and reporting suspicious activities can help everyone sleep easier.
Car insurance is one of the topics currently on everyone's minds. It's increased dramatically in the last few years and is putting further strain on our bank accounts.
Implementing vehicle theft protection strategies can potentially lead to a decrease in your insurance premiums. Although it varies from company to company, being proactive towards vehicle theft demonstrates a lower risk profile, which can incentivise insurers to offer lower premiums.
Protecting your vehicle from thieves requires a multifaceted approach, combining clever personal practices, technological innovations, and community efforts.
By staying informed and vigilant, you can significantly reduce the risk of vehicle theft and ensure your vehicle remains safe.
Looking for more motoring advice? Nationwide Vehicle Contracts produces various leasing guides, such as The Laws of Parking and the Guide to Driving on the Motorway.
We are also one of the UK's leading car and van leasing brokers, offering a range of leasing deals to suit your every need. Whether you're looking for a stylish lease car or a reliable lease van, we provide a range of deals to suit your needs.
For more information, check out our leasing deals or call us on 0345 811 9595.
