Crime Prevention
Your Practical Guide To Crime Prevention Vehicles
A lot of crime is against cars, motorbikes and bicycles, including theft of vehicles, and theft from vehicles. Most of it can be prevented.
Bicycles
Get a good bike lock (D locks or combination locks are best. Look for Sold Secure Ltd approved locks, or ask for a recommendation at a bike shop).
Lock your bike to something secure – a bike rack or lamppost. If there are no bike racks, you could ask the local council if they can put some in.
Lock up removable parts (for example, wheels) or take them with you (for example, light fittings).
Think about having your bike security-marked or engraved
Motorbikes
Always lock your bike, and set its alarm if it has one.
When leaving your bike for some time, try to lock it to something secure. At home, you can fit special attachments to lock your bike to.
Use a motorbike cover.
Have the vehicle marked with its vehicle identification number (VIN).
Cars
Lock the doors and close the windows when you leave the car – for any length of time.
Don't leave anything on display – even a jacket can seem like an appealing target for a thief.
Remove the stereo if you can. Also, tuck in wing mirrors and put the aerial down to discourage vandals.
Never store your car's documents in the car.
A Thatcham-approved immobiliser or steering lock can help secure older vehicles.
Think about having components the windows etched with the car's vehicle registration number (VRN), and make a note of its chassis number.
Keep your car keys in a safe place, even in your house, so that someone breaking in cannot steal your car too.
For more information visit the website www.secureyourmotor.gov.uk for more information
Car-jacking
Car-jacking has become a high-profile crime over recent years, mainly because media attention has made people aware of it.
You can help prevent yourself being a victim of car-jacking by:
keeping your doors locked in built up areas, and trying to keep the windows wound up, especially at traffic lights;
being aware of what people are doing around you;
using the middle lane, if there is one, when waiting at junctions or lights, so that your car is harder to get to from the pavement;
not stopping to help someone who has broken down (if you really want to help, pull over at the next garage or police station, and call for help); and
driving to the next garage or police station and reporting them if someone tries to pull you over for no reason.
Sometimes car-jackers may 'accidentally' bump into your car, aiming to get you out of the car so that they can steal it. If this happens, you may choose not to get out of the car – especially if you do not think it is a genuine accident. Wind the window down a little bit to talk to them if you want to.
Buying a used car
Most car sellers are genuine, whether it is a private sale or through a garage. However, some traders are not genuine and may sell on stolen cars.
You can protect yourself by following the advice below.
Contact an organisation, such as the AA, who will be able to tell you whether the vehicle has been stolen or in a crash.
Always arrange to meet the person selling the car at their house, not your house or at another meeting place.
Check any security etchings to make sure they match and have not been removed.
Always check the registration documents and service history.
For more information:
Phone the AA on 0870 600 0371 or visit the AA website.
You can also phone the DVLA on 0870 240 0009 or visit the DVLA website.
Last update: Wednesday, September 17, 2008