Dirty Rotten Car Thieves Targeting Family Cars

It’s fifthly, slightly scratched and incredibly messy inside (thanks to your kids) but your family car is actually more appealing to thieves than you think.

A recent survey has shown that car thieves are changing their habits and targeting your average family car instead of the prestige vehicles such as Audi, BMW and Mercedes. It’s all down to the recession.

The struggling economy has caused car buyers to tighten their belts and search out a bargain, pushing car thieves to adjust their targets. It now appears that lower value cars are just as valuable to the car thieves as the fancy sports cars, including your battered Vauxhall Meriva.

How can you protect yourself?

Luckily, advances in car security have made new cars harder to steal than ever but crime figures are still on the rise. Theft by the stealing of car keys is up to 80% and more and more car thieves are resulting to burglaries, car-jackings and muggings just to get their hands on your car keys. Scary stuff!

Many owners are now investing in a GPS vehicle tracking system to protect their vehicle. If your car is stolen, GPS technology pinpoints the exact location of your vehicle, allowing the 24 hour operating centre to liaise with Police, Security and Recovery services.

Some car security systems even arrange for a security guard to wait with your vehicle until recovery can be arranged.

It does appear that some things never change however, with the BMW X5 remaining as the most commonly stolen car. London and Greater London also remain as the hot spots for car theft with Essex and Greater Manchester following closely behind.

Protecting yourself from car theft is essential to safeguard your vehicle and ensure your peace of mind.

Here are some important measures you can take to aviod car theft:

Secure your car: Always lock your car and close all windows when leaving it unattended. Use additional security measures like steering wheel locks, car alarms, or immobilizers to deter thieves.
Park in well-lit areas: Choose well-lit and populated parking areas that are less likely to attract thieves. Opt for secure parking facilities or garages whenever possible.
Keep valuables out of sight: Never leave valuable items in plain sight inside your car. Store them in the trunk or take them with you to minimize the risk of break-ins.
Install a tracking system: Consider installing a GPS tracking system in your vehicle. This technology can help locate your car in the event of theft and aid in its recovery.
Use anti-theft devices: Utilize modern anti-theft devices such as car alarms, steering wheel locks, and immobilizers. These serve as effective deterrents and make it more difficult for thieves to steal your vehicle.
Be cautious with your keys: Keep your car keys secure and never leave them unattended or in an easily accessible place. Avoid leaving spare keys inside the car or in predictable hiding spots.
Be vigilant in public places: Stay alert and aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded or high-crime areas. Look out for suspicious activities and report any concerns to the authorities.
Secure your garage: If you have a garage, ensure it is locked securely. Consider using additional security measures such as motion sensor lights and CCTV cameras to enhance protection.
Use VIN etching: Have your vehicle identification number (VIN) etched on the windows and other prominent parts of your car. This makes it less attractive to thieves, as it becomes more challenging to sell or dismantle.
Stay updated on security measures: Stay informed about the latest security features and technologies available for your car. Regularly review and update your vehicle's security systems to ensure optimal protection.

By implementing these measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of car theft and protect your valuable asset. Remember, proactive prevention is key to maintaining the safety and security of your vehicle.

Make sure you’ve locked the car door!