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Experts Offer Advice On How To Keep Your Car Safe As Police Failings To Tackle Car Theft Cause Insurance To Reach An All Time High
Express.co.uk
With the number of vehicles stolen in England and Wales increasing by over 24% in the past year, and with car insurance premiums reaching an all time high, security experts at ADT have offered their expert advice on deterring potential thieves.
Michele Bennett, General Manager at ADT UK&I Subscriber, comments: “Recent years have seen a sharp rise in car thefts, with over 130,389 vehicles being taken from their owners in the past year alone. Not only is this a high-cost item, but losing a car can put an owner's life on hold and cause distress if keys are acquired by forced entry into the home. The insurance process can be stressful and for many people, losing a car can put a halt to any plans in which driving is needed, including getting to work. With this in mind, we have offered our advice on how to deter potential car thieves”
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Install a home security system
The visible presence of outdoor cameras, CCTV systems and an alarm bell-box can help deter opportunistic thieves from targeting your property.
If your car is parked on a driveway, it may be worth installing cameras and ensuring that they are focused on your vehicle. Even when you are away from your car, installing high-quality cameras means that you will be notified if a person is close to your car. ADT home security cameras also come equipped with an audible deterrent, so if they detect someone snooping around your vehicle, the cameras can emit noise to warn people off automatically. Alternatively, you can also set up your cameras with smart plugs to switch on lights inside the property to spook car thieves.
ADT
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Lock your car
This seems obvious, but many people assume that their cars will lock automatically. Whilst this may be true for cars such as Tesla’s, which lock when owners walk away from the vehicle, that is not the case for all vehicles. Because of this assumption, thieves often target cars even when they are parked on driveways. Make sure all your windows are up and doors are locked. Consider purchasing a steering wheel lock or other vehicle security equipment as this can provide an additional deterrent against break-ins.
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Park in a well-lit and busy spot
This is one of the simplest methods to keep your car safe against break-ins, according to the MET Police. Thieves are less likely to target a noticeable car, and the extra light will make it more difficult for them to break in without being observed.
If you are parking outside your home, check that your outdoor lighting is in working order. If any of your outdoor lights are not working properly, it is important to fix them - having the areas outside of your property well-lit makes it a lot harder for burglars to work on your vehicle discreetly, thus making your car a less likely target. You may also want to invest in a driveway security post to make it more difficult for thieves to take your vehicle.
iStock
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Keep any valuable items out of sight
Keep personal items in the boot or out of sight and avoid keeping valuables in your glove compartment. It is also wise to check your car insurance covers the contents of your vehicle, so you’re not out of pocket if your car is broken into and valuables are taken.
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Set up an alarm system or a tracking gadget
If someone tries to break into your car, a loud alarm will draw attention and is likely to scare them away. Installing a tracking gadget is another good option. This will not only help you recover your stolen car, but it also assists the police in catching the thief and making an arrest.
For further advice on keeping your valuables safe, visit ADT’s website.
