Next to your house, your car is probably one of the most expensive things you own.

Unfortunately, your car and its contents could be an easy target for thieves, so the harder you make it for a thief to steal your car, the better your chances of keeping it!

Park smart

• Whenever possible, park your car in a busy area - thieves do not like to be watched!
• At night, park your car in a well-lit area, preferably where there are lots of people.
• Park with your wheels turned toward the curb and apply your handbrake - this will make it more difficult for a thief to tow your car.
• Try to use a car park that has an attendant on duty and is fitted with surveillance cameras.
• For barrier car parks never leave your parking ticket in the car. Taking it with you will make it much more difficult for a thief to leave the car park with your car.
• Always lock your car when you leave it - even for short periods of time such as in petrol stations.
• Never leave your keys in the ignition or the car engine running - even if you are just going to post some letters. An opportunist thief could take the opportunity to steal your car.
• If your car has an alarm, make sure you use it.
• Remember, time is of the essence to a car thief. By slowing a thief down you make your car more unattractive to steal.
• Don't leave valuables and shopping bags on view - lock them away in the boot, or glove compartment.
• Never leave a set of spare keys hidden in or around your car.
• Consider fitting a visible deterrent, like a steering wheel lock, to your car.
• Window stickers that warn that your vehicle is alarmed, immobilised or fitted with a 'tracker' device may cause a thief to think again.
• Professional car thieves may know their way around certain alarm systems, so trading alarm stickers with a friend of fitting generic stickers may slow them down.
• Window etching is an inexpensive but effective deterrent. Thieves do not like cars with parts that can be traced.
• Lock it or lose it! If you think your car is too old to be stolen, think again. Your car is worth much more if a thief sells it for parts.

On the move

• Don't travel with your handbag, purse or other valuables on the passenger seats of your car - place them in the boot or lock them in the glove compartment.
• Be vigilant in slow moving traffic or when waiting at traffic lights.
• Consider locking your door when driving in slow moving traffic and don't open your door or wind your window down if a stranger approaches your car.
• Most modern cars cannot be stolen without their ignition keys and some thieves will follow a car they want to steal.
• If you suspect you are being followed, contact the police or drive to the nearest police station.

At home

• Always lock your vehicle when you park it outside your house, or in your garage.
• If possible, lock your car in a garage overnight when you are away.
• Look at your car and garage through the eyes of a potential thief - how easy would it be for you to gain access to your property and steal your car?
• Slow down thieves - lock the main gate, park your locked car in a garage and secure the garage.
• Remember, every barrier a thief has to overcome will increase the likelihood of you keeping your vehicle.
• Fit approved locks to garage windows and strong padlocks to doors and most importantly, make sure you use them!
• Fitting a tracker device or approved alarm system could protect your car from theft and may also reduce your insurance premium.
• Change your locking petrol cap if it uses the same key as the ignition. A thief could take the cap and have a duplicate key made. He may then return to steal the car.
• Don't leave your keys on view and within reach of your front door, such as on a hall table. A thief could reach them with a stick through the letter box.