Police help drivers to keep their vehicles secure
A vehicle is broken into every 23 seconds in the UK. But drivers can ensure they are not the next target.
Shoppers visiting the New Malden Tesco superstore on Saturday, 5 June, 2010, were offered advice on vehicle security and handed several freebies to keep their cars safe by West Barnes police community support officers.
As part of the crackdown the car owners were given a Top 20 checklist on vehicle security (see below), stickers telling potential thieves not to bother, anti-theft screws to secure their number plates, a cloth to keep in the glove box to wipe away any telltale rings left by a satnav on the windscreen and car air fresheners bearing advice to remove valuables before leaving the vehicle.
Highest in ward
“Vehicle crime is the highest type of crime in the ward,” said West Barnes Safer Neighbourhood Sergeant Graham Chapman.
“Modern security of cars makes it more and more difficult for people to break into cars so they often look for the vehicles that have been left with items on show,” he told MotspurPark.info.
“Items such as the Don’t Bother kit help to deter people who may be looking to break into the car.”
The West Barnes Safer Neighbourhood team regularly holds drop-in surgeries to ask residents their views on issues concerning their area and offer help on all aspects of security.
Vehicle security check
- Satellite navigation system on view
- Satellite navigation cradle on view
- Suction marks visible on windscreen
- Any property on view
- Valuables left in boot
- Driving documents left in vehicle
- Garage key fobs left in vehicle
- Mobile phone left in vehicle
- Removable radio or front fitted
- Radio security coded
- Ignition keys removed every time you leave the vehicle
- Vehicle locked every time you leave the vehicle
- Aerial down when locked
- Electronic immobiliser fitted
- Steering lock/other immobiliser fitted or used
- Locking wheel nuts fitted
- Windows etched with Vehicle Registration Number (VRN)
- Lockable fuel cover used
- Secure index plate fitted
- Vehicle tracker system fitted
External links:
Crime prevention (Home Office)
West Barnes Safer Neighbourhood Team
Merton Matters
(June 2010)
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No valuables: One of the stickers contained in the Don’t Bother kit
Tips at Tesco: Sergeant Graham Chapman tells a driver about car security
Fresh advice: A handy reminder for the car to help keep things sweet
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