Please note: The content of this article is only to advise you. Should to wish to implement any advice, you do so at your own risk. Please ensure you follow the law at all times.

Don’t leave your keys lying around

It is always easiest to steal a car with use of the car’s own keys and houses have been targeted in Bannerbrook specifically to obtain car keys to steal high spec models, presumably to order. Never casually put yours down in public places or leave them by a window. Keys left In view / reach of your front door’s letterbox will allow someone with a magnetic, extendable tool an opportunity for reaching through and playing ‘hook-the-duck’. Another very common occurrence! Secure ANY keys well out of vision of windows and doors, high up is preferable. Don‘t make it too easy for the burglar or sneak / distraction thief to work out where your keys are to get their hands on them quickly by distracting you with for example  ‘window cleaners’ knocking on your front door as someone sneaks in the back.

Low speed car crashescar-locks

Beware of low speed or ‘stupid & avoidable’ car crashes too.  Your new ‘contact’ may be an insurance (whiplash) scammer or a professional car thief using a gentle ‘nudge’ to stop you. This type of ‘nudge’ was known to trigger safety unlock systems on high end luxury cars in the past! In any collision of this type take lots of photos as a small dent or scratch on the other car may turn into a full car respray by the time it reaches the insurance company.

The flat tyre trick- be warned!

A well known Eastern European trick is a helpful ‘passer-by’ wanting you to come around the far side of your (or hire) car to show you a supposed ‘flat tyre’ or problem whilst his mate jumps in and drives away. You are still looking after the disappearing car as the accomplice quietly slips away.

Keys out of ignition  is always the rule.

PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE

A quick look at eBay will reveal hundreds of devices and thousands of sellers of car security devices: Crooklocks, steering wheel lock designs vary from locking covers, anti-turn plates, long steel bars and even ones that are shaped like baseball bats. I bought a couple of these because, well, after all, it’s a baseball bat in your car and women especially seem to feel safer with one of them to hand! There are also gearlever to handbrake locks, wheel clamps, caravan leg and hitch clamps, home pop-up bollards, additional alarm systems, immobilisers with fobs for hidden touch pads, car tracker devices, battery kill switches, remote engine kill switches……

Anything that is not standard on a car is an obstacle tha t a car thief hasn’t got time to tackle in a quick getaway. All security can be overcome…… but only given time!

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