Vehicle Security
Preventing car and vehicle theft
Don't let thieves get an easy ride. Follow these simple rules to protect your vehicle
from thieves.
1. Lock your vehicle
Locking your vehicle, even when filling up or parked on your drive, greatly reduces
the possibility of it being targeted by an opportunist thief. Even if you have locked
your vehicle, check you haven’t left any windows or the sunroof open.
It is actually illegal to leave your vehicle running unattended while you de-ice it or
warm it up in cold weather. If someone takes it while it’s left like this, your insurer
won’t pay out because you won’t be covered.
If your vehicle has wing mirrors that fold in automatically when locked, make sure you
lock it properly. Criminal gangs are looking for vehicles like these where the wing
mirrors are still out because it is clear to them that the vehicle has been left unlocked.
2. Keep the keys safe
Vehicles today are by and large more difficult to steal than ever, unless the thief can
access your key or fob to clone them. Keep your keys safe, out of view when at home,
and away from your front door. It’s not uncommon for car keys to be stolen from
inside your home by thieves fishing for them with a stick and hook through the
letterbox.
If you're selling your car and you meet up with a potential buyer, do not allow the keys
out of your sight. Your keys may be cloned by thieves and used later to steal your
vehicle.
Keyless entry
Cars with keyless entry unlock automatically when the key comes within a short
distance of the car. This can be from inside a pocket or bag. If you have to push a
button on your car key to open your car, you don't have keyless entry.
Keyless car theft or 'relay theft' is when a device is used to fool the car into thinking
the key is close by. This unlocks the car and starts the ignition.
Thieves only need to be within a few metres of your car key to capture the signal, even
if it’s inside your home. This means that even if your car and home are secure, thieves
can still unlock, start and steal your car.
How to protect your keyless entry car
When at home keep your car key (and the spare) well away from the car.
Put the keys in a screened or signal-blocking pouch, such as a Faraday Bag and
check if the bag or pouch is still working every few months.
Reprogramme your keys if you buy a second hand car.
Turn off wireless signals on your fob when it's not being used.
Additional physical security such as locks and immobilisers are still highly
recommended. Section six on this page has more information about this.
3. Be aware of carjackers
The fact that you’re in the car isn’t always a deterrent to someone trying to steal it.
In traffic, drive with the doors locked and when queuing leave enough space in front of
your vehicle to enable you to get out of a tight spot. If your vehicle is bumped from
behind, wait to pull over – somewhere safe and preferably where there are people.
After all, you don’t know the person who has collided with you; they could well be
hijackers. If you’re at all suspicious, consider calling the police.
If someone threatens you, it’s better to hand over the keys to the vehicle than become a
victim of assault. Then call 999 as soon as possible, and ask for the police.
If your car is stolen, some modern vehicle alarm and tracker systems have the facility
to isolate or shut down fuel systems, bringing the vehicle to a halt and leaving the thief
high and dry.
4. Park responsibly
It’s always advisable to avoid parking in dark and secluded areas. It’s worth an extra
five or ten-minute walk if it means your vehicle is left in a well-lit and busier street.
And if possible, always try to park in illuminated and staffed car parks or those with a
Park Mark safer parking award. To find one, simply check out Park Mark.
5. Watch for illegal tow trucks
Thieves often attempt to lift vehicles from the street, literally. So, if you see a towaway
crew acting suspiciously – especially if their vehicle isn’t branded or if they’re not in
uniform – then please report it immediately.
As with every report of suspicious behaviour made in good faith, we’ll never blame
anyone for calling us if it proves unfounded.
Car parks with height-restricted entrances help prevent illegal tow trucks and removal
vehicles. And fitting a Thatcham rated category 1 or 2 alarm system with tracking,
immobilisation, anti-grab and movement sensors can help protect and trace your
vehicle.
6. Fit good in-car security locks
Additional physical security can help to prevent your vehicle being driven away even
if a thief gains entry. There are a range of security rated products tested by Sold Secure
that can help, such as steering wheel locks, pedal boxes and gear stick locks.
Some of these products, tested to Sold Secure Diamond, can even resist a small hand-
held angle grinder.
It's also worth speaking to your vehicle dealership about installing an aftermarket
immobiliser approved by the manufacturer.
Immobilisers prevent a vehicle from starting unless the correct fob, key or activation
process is used. They can be personalised so that you're the only one who knows how
to unset it via a number of dashboard controls.
7. Double-check electronic locking
Electronic devices can be used to jam the electronic signal from your key fob to lock
your vehicle. Always manually check your vehicle has locked before walking away.
If unsure, lock it manually, then scan the immediate area for anyone hanging around. If
a potential thief who’s watching feels they’ve been spotted, they’ll probably move off.
8. Before owning, check for cloning
Changing the identity of a vehicle, known as vehicle cloning, can be as simple as
adding stolen number plates. When buying a vehicle, always check the DVLA V5
document and make sure the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the vehicle is the
same as on the document.
Make sure you check more than one of the VINs as well as the engine numbers on the
vehicle (see diagram).
Check a used vehicle you’re buying.
9. Secure your port
Many modern vehicles are fitted with engine management diagnostic ports, which can
unlock and start your vehicle.
If your vehicle has this type of port, consider fitting a lockable cover.
Useful links
For more information about police preferred specification products that help to reduce
the chances of vehicle crime please visit:
Secured by Design (SBD)
Sold Secure
Thatcham Research
Message Sent By
Hambleton Neighbourhood Policing Team
