Seven top tips to prevent your car from being stolen when sneaky thieves change tactics

Car theft remains a significant problem in the UK, with around 48,500 vehicles stolen in 2021.

Worryingly, thieves have upped their game in recent years – changing their tactics to increasingly target “keyless” cars by exploiting their often vulnerable security systems.

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According to WalesOnline, there are several things you can do to make your car safer and deter thieves.

Think about where you park the car

Where you park your car can often affect the likelihood that a thief will put your vehicle at risk.

Try to choose the safest place to park your vehicle – well-lit spots are an instant deterrent, while a parking lot with surveillance cameras will help deter criminals.

Visit Park Mark’s website to find facilities that are approved for safety and security.

Parking is also important when you get home. If your driveway is visible from the street, it can attract crooks more easily.

You can also install a parking bollard in front of your vehicle to reduce the chance of it being stolen.

Where you put your keys is important

It may sound obvious, but you should always remember to lock and secure your car.

Never leave it idling – like defrosting on a cold winter’s morning, because that’s when thieves get their hands on it.

Never leave your keys somewhere where you can easily see them and try to keep them as far away from the car as possible.

Faraday bag for keyless cars

If you have a car with keyless technology, it is best to invest in a Faraday bag or box.

Available from around £5, you can put your keys inside and then seal the pouch or box, which should deter crooks from connecting to any ‘keyless’ signals and gaining access to the vehicle.

Check out steering locks

An obvious physical deterrent is another great idea for making your vehicle more secure, and one of the best is a steering wheel lock.

They were widely used a few decades ago, but have made a comeback in the age of keyless cars.

Hopefully, these will not only deter thieves in the first place, but also increase the time it takes for the car to be stolen.

Install “ghost” immobilizers and trackers

All new cars these days have an immobilizer, but did you know you can add another step by adding a “ghost” immobilizer?

Here a certain key or sequence of numbers must be entered before the car starts.

This means that even if someone has your keys, they cannot start the vehicle without knowing the PIN code.

Take out all valuables

One of the simplest steps you can take to prevent your car from attracting thieves is to take out any valuables that may be on display.

It is worth putting bags or boxes (even if they are cheap stuff) in the trunk or at least out of sight.

Never put yourself in danger

There is one thing you should never do and that is put yourself in danger.

Some car thieves are part of large organized crime networks and will not stop using violence to steal your car.

Putting yourself in danger is just not worth the risk.