Car security - how to stop thieves

Car technology is always evolving, but while our cars are becoming more capable, so are the thieves who are targeting them.  

Criminals have upped their game, developing sophisticated techniques aimed at bypassing vehicle anti-theft devices, however, there are steps you can take to reduce your chances of falling victim.

Read our latest road safety guide to learn how to stop thieves from stealing from you.

How many cars get stolen in the UK?

According to the latest data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS), there were 129,159 vehicles stolen in the UK in 2023.

This means that an average of 356 vehicles were stolen every day.

Police statistics show that around three quarters of car thefts in the UK are never solved.

Tips on keeping your car safe

Don’t just rely on your key fob

Always locking your car when you leave it goes without saying, but make sure you double check the car is actually locked.

Some vehicles will use an audible or visual signal, while others will feature ‘pins’ on the inside of the windows, which will lower when the doors have been locked.

Don’t simply rely on your key fob, as some thieves use ‘jammers’ to intercept the signal between the fob and the car, leaving the vehicle unlocked and vulnerable to theft. These signal jammers might be in a criminal’s pocket or left in the bushes at the side of a car park, so be on your guard.

It might seem like a hassle to check every door, including the boot, but it’s the only sure-fire way of ensuring the car is locked.

Avoid being a victim of a ‘relay attack’

An increasing number of car thieves are using ‘relay attacks’, which involves two criminals working together using electronic signal relay devices.

One criminal uses a device to receive the key signal from inside the home, transferring the signal to a second box, which is placed alongside the car. In effect, this tricks the car into ‘thinking’ the key is there, allowing the thieves to unlock the vehicle and drive away.

Although the signal can pass through doors, walls and windows, it cannot penetrate metal, so placing the keys inside a metal box, signal blocking wallet or safe will protect your vehicle from a ‘relay attack’.

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Where should you park your car to keep it safe?

Don't just park in the first space you see - try to find a place that's well-lit and open to public view.

If you need to use a car park, try to find one that's security patrolled, covered by CCTV, or that is in a secure area.

If you’re at the shops or in a busy town centre car park, you should park close to other shoppers, rather than away from other cars.

Thieves will be less likely to target your vehicle if they believe they might be disturbed.

Knowing the best places to park if important for all drivers.

Don't display any belongings in your vehicle

Avoid car vandalism by taking your belongings with you when you park.

Having your coat or bags in view, or just leaving loose change on the dashboard could be enough to tempt somebody to break in and leave you with a repair bill for a broken window.

If you have a parcel shelf or load cover in the boot, it might be best to open or remove it, which will show would-be car thieves that there’s nothing to steal.

Take out your infotainment system, stereo, and sat-nav

If your car stereo has a front panel that stops it from working when it's removed, take this with you. If it has a flap or cover, remember to shut this to shield your stereo from view.

Take your sat-nav system with you too, remembering to remove the holder and to clean any tell-tale suction marks from the windscreen.

If you have a removable entertainment system – make sure that you remove it when you leave your vehicle for an extended period of time and keep it somewhere safe.

Add a car alarm, immobiliser or tracking device

Most modern cars will come with a factory fitted immobiliser, but adding a Thatcham-approved car alarm can reduce your car insurance premium as well as the risk of car theft.

If you have no car security at all, make fitting an immobiliser a top priority.

Fitting a tracking device won’t prevent a vehicle from being stolen, but it will increase the chances of it being recovered and returned by the police.

Use locks to protect your vehicle

Adding a visual deterrent to your car is a good way to avoid car theft and often enough to make a thief look for an easier option.

Use a sturdy lock for the steering wheel, pedals and gearstick.

These might be old-school deterrents, but they’re making a comeback in the digital age. Many thieves are opportunistic, and they might pass on a car they perceive to be too much hassle.

Where to keep your car keys?

As cars have become more secure, stealing car keys has become a top priority for car thieves.

Never leave your keys unattended in public and when you're at home make sure your keys are both out of sight and out of reach.

Some criminals have been known to use wire to remove keys through a letterbox, so avoid keeping them in the porch or hallway.

But never take the keys upstairs or hide them in the bedroom. If a thief is that determined to gain access to a vehicle, better to let them take it than to put you or your family at risk.

Or keep them in a metal lock box to also help avoid relay attacks.

Beware of key hacking!

Keep your documents at home

Don't leave your logbook or service records in your car. It might seem like a sensible place for them, but if you're a victim of car theft, the documents will make it easier for the car to be sold and you could become a victim of identity fraud.

Similarly, don’t leave letters, bank statements or forms of identification in the car. Again, this puts you at risk of identity theft.

Make sure you have your driving licence with you, but everything else can stay at home.

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Protect your car wheels

Alloy wheels can make your car a target for thieves, so protect your alloys with locking wheel nuts.

These are cheap to buy, easy to fit and can be very difficult to remove without the correct key.

It’s possible to purchase a locking wheel nut remover over the internet, but a lock will deter opportunist thieves.

Stay safe in traffic

Car safety is just as important when you're in the car as it is when you're parked.

If you're in slow-moving traffic or stuck in a jam, close your windows, lock your doors and keep valuables out of sight.

Don’t leave your car running

It might be tempting to leave the car running – especially if you’re warming the cabin on a frosty morning – but you run the risk of having the car stolen, not to mention getting a fine too.

Take care when de-icing the car, as an opportunistic thief could steal the vehicle in a couple of seconds.

The same is true when popping into a shop, dropping the children at the school gate, or meeting somebody at the station. Switch off the engine and lock the doors.

Use a brake lock

This tool locks the brake pedal, making it hard to drive the car. This means that if a criminal manages to get in and start the vehicle, it is harder to make a getaway.

GPS tracking

GPS tracking in a car is an effective method to enhance security and improve the chances of recovering a stolen vehicle. 

This is useful for police to recover your car, should it be stolen.

Use surveillance cameras

Install security cameras around your parking area or use a dashcam with parking mode to record suspicious activity. 

This can prevent criminals, but also catch them in the act and be used as evidence for the police.

Sign up to neighbourhood watch schemes

A Neighbourhood Watch is a community-based program where residents collaborate with local law enforcement agencies to enhance the safety and security of their neighbourhood.

The primary goal of a Neighbourhood Watch is to prevent crime by fostering a sense of community, increasing vigilance, and promoting cooperation among residents.

This can be useful in preventing car crime for all residents.

How to protect a catalytic converter

Protecting a catalytic converter from theft involves implementing security measures to deter criminals.

Metal plates installed over the catalytic converter to make it harder to remove. These cages and locking devices provide an additional layer of protection.  

In extreme cases, mechanics can secure the catalytic converter to the vehicle's frame with welded bolts or brackets.  

Drivers can also etch your vehicle's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) or license plate number onto the catalytic converter. Therefore, if it ever gets stolen, it can be slightly easier to find it.

How to protect your car from thieves

Here is a list of the ways to protect your car from criminals:

• Use a steering wheel lock
• Motion lighting, CCTV and security cameras
• GPS tracking
• Park in the best places possible
• Lock all windows and doors
• Protect your car keys
• Put away valuables
• Tyre locks
• Don’t leave your car running
• Keep your spare keys somewhere safe

Do you have any other security tips? Leave them in the comments below.

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