The government department responsible for reducing and preventing crime.

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Information on reporting crimes anonymously.

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BSIA (British Security Industry Association)

Information on the security industry.

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Information and advice for the elderly about a variety of subjects including ‘Home Safety and Security’.

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The UK’s leading trade association representing the interests of contractorx who design, install, inspect, test and maintain electrical and electronic equipment and services.

Trust Mark

Government Endorsed Standard – Tradesmen operating locally to government standards.

Trading Standards Institute

Information on Trust Mark’s government endorsed standards.

Our essential advice shows you how to avoid car theft.

The key swap

Some fraudulent buyers have been known to swap the seller’s car key for a similar or fake key during the test drive.

Buyers gain the seller’s trust before saying they’re no longer interested in the car. They return a few hours later with the real key and drive the car away.

Some criminals may also attempt to steal the identity of an owner by using forged or stolen documents to obtain a duplicate key

How to beat it: Never let the buyer go on a test drive alone or leave them with your keys. Bring a friend or relative with you and avoid leaving keys in the ignition when swapping seats.

Sell and steal back

Earlier this month details emerged of a car ringing gang which stole, sold and re-stole dozens of cars.

Members of the gang would break into cars or homes before driving off with the vehicle.

How to beat it: Close the windows and sunroof, lock the doors and activate any security devices when leaving your car unattended. When buying, check the Vehicle Identity Number (VIN) and registration number on the car match those in the V5C registration document.

Keys in the ignition

Some car thieves will wait for a motorist to leave their car unattended and unlocked with the keys in the ignition to strike. This usually happens when the owner clears ice from their car or takes a quick trip to a local shop.

Princess Beatrice’s BMW was stolen in January 2009 when she allegedly left it running before entering a shop. She was lucky enough to have her car found and returned, but 40 per cent of stolen cars are never returned to their owners.

How to beat it: Before exiting your car, switch off the engine, close the windows and sunroof, lock the doors and activate any security devices. Avoid leaving your keys in the car unattended and keep them with you at all times.

Bump and drive

Some car thieves have been known to bump gently into the back of a victim’s car, causing them to pull over and exchange insurance details.

At this point the thief may threaten the driver or jump in their car and drive away.

What to do: If you are bumped in traffic, be suspicious of the accident – let the other party know you’ll drive to a garage or other busy parking area, then exit and lock your vehicle. If you’re ever threatened by an armed car jacker, give up your keys and call the police.

Stolen car keys

Thieves who steal car keys without damaging the vehicle are harder to catch. They may observe the car owner and attempt to steal the keys when left alone in bags, pockets or public places.

‘Letterbox theft’ involves criminals pushing a fishing rod, cane or aerial through a letterbox to hook keys and steal the vehicle. Keys are commonly stolen from hall tables, kitchen worktops or hanging on wall hooks.

How to beat it: Make sure you keep an eye on your keys at all times and keep them away from windows and the letterbox. You could invest in a vehicle tracking system which pinpoints the location of a stolen vehicle, helping the police recover it.

How to avoid car theft

1. Always lock your car, close all windows and take the keys with you when leaving it parked
2. Take care not to leave valuable items on display – leave them at home or take them out of the car
3. When at home, park your car in your garage if possible
4. If you can’t use a garage, park in a well lit, open area. Driveways or car parks with an attendant and CCTV are a good idea
5. Fit an alarm or immobiliser to your car if it doesn’t already have one
6. Buy a steering wheel lock or tracking system. You can also fit locking wheel nuts to prevent alloy wheels being stolen
7. Get a security marking etched onto your car. These can be etched by a mechanic, and will help prove the car is yours if stolen and cloned
8. Never let a buyer test drive your car alone. Take the keys out of the ignition and keep hold of them when swapping seats
9. Avoid selling a car before receiving full payment into your bank account. Check the amount is available to use with your bank first. Try and receive payment inside a bank and bring a friend or relative for extra security
10. Keep an eye on your keys at all times and keep them away from windows and letterboxes

This information was suplied by Autotrader uk

For More advice and if you have been affected by any of the above please visit http://www.wiltshirecrimestoppers.co.uk/index.html or call 0800 555 111

Thanks

Mike

1. Check they are registered with the relevant trade bodies – TrustMark is a government endorsed scheme offering lists of trusted tradespeople in all areas and the site also offers lots of practical advice.

2. Ask for family and friends for recommendations, it is a good way of identifying possible tradespeople. Or ask for customer testimonials some companies will have these on their website.

3. Get three quotations – When making the initial contact be very specific about your requirements, ask for written quotation, terms of business and a contract from each company.

4. Consider price as ONE factor of your decision making but also consider which company you can have a good working relationship with, who demonstrated the right expertise and levels of service.

5. Ensure that any changes are amended in the contract and you have agreed to them in writing.

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Consider changing all outside door locks when you move home

Fit a BS3621 mortise lock to the front door

Fit a 5-lever BS3621 mortise lock together with top- and bottom-operated bolts to side and back doors

Fit appropriate locks to the top and bottom of French windows and patio doors

Fit window locks to ground floor and upstairs windows

Don’t leave door keys in visible or obvious places such as under the doormat

Lock all your doors and windows when you go out

Don’t leave ladders lying around

Keep your sheds and outbuildings locked; burglars will use YOUR tools to gain access to YOUR house

Close your curtains and leave a light on in the lounge and bedroom if you are going out for the evening

Always activate your intruder alarm before you go out – many insurance companies will refuse to pay out if you are burgled and you did not activate an alarm

Don’t leave curtains and blinds drawn during the day – they will attract burglars

Cancel your milk and paper deliveries if you are going on holiday

Ask a neighbor to remove any post or newspapers left showing in your letterbox

Cut your lawn before you go on holiday.