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Messages… Last update: 1 February 2005 InstanceBeginEditable name="last update" >1 February 2005
Click on the title below to see short articles on different aspects of vehicle crime reduction.
Have you secured your motorbike or scooter?
How secure is your local car park?
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Have you secured your motorbike or scooter?
Scooters are becoming increasingly popular as a cheap and convenient way to commute. Their popularity is also increasing with thieves as they are light and easy to steal if not parked securely.
Scooters and mopeds are three-and-a-half times more likely to be stolen than a motorbike but both motorcyclists and scooter owners should follow simple advice to outsmart the criminal:
park in safe areas
fit an alarm or immobiliser
use a good quality ground anchor
use a cover
never leave anything on display, such as your helmet.
Be warned Football Fans
As you know, driving to the game and finding a parking space can be more trouble than it’s worth - especially if you leave your vehicle vulnerable.
Theft from cars is on the decrease but football supporters can be prime targets for this type of crime. Don’t leave any stickers or scarves in the back window. The opportunist thief knows you’ll be in the ground for at least 90 minutes.
Don’t leave your stuff on show, the only smash and grab you want to experience is your own team’s striker scoring that last minute winner! If you're going to an evening match try to park your vehicle in a well-lit residential street.
If you don’t follow these simple guidelines you may find yourself echoing those infamous words from Graham Taylor when you return to your car, "Do I not like that!"
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Think like your team’s manager and secure your car:-
Don’t give the game away - hide away all signs that you are at the match.
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Take up a good position - park your car in a well-lit residential road.
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Maintain a tight defence - secure the doors, windows and boot.
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Keep the opposition on the run - all of the above will contribute to this!
How secure is your local car park?
Do you think about the safety of the car park you use? [local figures] cars are broken into while left in car parks in [local area]. The Safer Parking Scheme is an initiative of the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) designed to make car parks safer for both cars and their owners. Car parks which reach this standard display the Park Mark™ logo.
So remember, choose car parks with the Park Mark™ award plaque.
You can try to outsmart the criminal by following these simple steps:
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Don’t leave stuff on display
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Whenever you leave your car, lock it _ remembering the windows and sunroof
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Secure your stereo
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Take care of your keys.
To find out more, visit www.secureyourmotor,gov.uk and www.saferparking.com .
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Having your belongings stolen from your car, or worse still the car itself being stolen is annoying. It can also be costly and upsetting.
Belongings being stolen from cars is a particular problem. Three quarters of thefts which take place happen in the evening or at night happen when cars are parked near or outside the home. The good news is it's easy to outsmart the criminal - just don't leave anything in your car when you leave it parked, especially at night. Mobile phones, laptop computers, cheque books, even an old coat on the back seat might tempt someone to smash and grab -just in case it's valuable.
So don't leave anything on display in your car – except your parking ticket of course.
You can find out more by visiting www.secureyourmotor.gov.uk, or by speaking to your crime reduction officer at your local police station. You'll find the number in your phone book.
Vehicle crime – top tips
Don’t leave anything in your car, particularly when it’s parked overnight. 63% of thefts of and from vehicles happen when they are parked outside the home.
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Always keep your car locked. This includes closing the sunroof and windows, even if you only leave it for a few seconds. That’s all it takes for a criminal to steal your car.
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If you’re going out and have to leave things in your car, put them out of sight, in the boot before you leave home.
When you park, take out your removable car stereo and take it with you. Don’t leave it in the glove compartment.
Park with care. Park in busy or well-lit areas near CCTV cameras, or in police-approved car parks (look out for ‘ParkMarkTM’ on signs) if possible. You can find out which car parks are approved at www.saferparking.com
Always chain bikes, motorbikes and scooters to something fixed like security rails and ground anchors.
Never leave car documents or spare keys inside the car. Hide them at home, but not by the door. Thieves will use a rod or pole through the letterbox to steal car keys from hall tables.
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If you have a garage, keep your car in it and remember to lock both your car and garage.
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Get a professionally fitted Thatcham-approved electronic immobiliser (you can find an approved installer through the Vehicle Systems Installation Board at www.vsib.co.uk), or you can use a steering lock on older cars. You can find information on products that have been tested by Thatcham (0870 5502006) or Sold Secure (01327 264687).
When purchasing a new car, check out the list of top 70 vehicles which are safest from theft. These are highlighted by the Car Theft Index and by British Insurance Car Security Awards listed on www.thatcham.org.
Consider fitting a car alarm.
Last update: 1 February 2005