Half a million vehicles are stolen in the UK every year.
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.
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
