Easy ways to prevent car theft

Sergeant Clare Thomas said: “Over half the incidents of car crime are ‘opportunistic’ with thieves spotting something that could earn them a quick buck. Vehicles with property on display are more likely to be broken into because thieves will risk setting off an alarm if there is an obvious pay-off. Even an empty carrier bag or a coat on the back seat is attractive to a thief as it may contain items of value. By the time the thief has realised there is nothing of value, your vehicle has already sustained damage which may be expensive, inconvenient and time consuming to repair.”

Advice to prevent this crime includes closing windows and sunroof, locking the doors and the boot, keeping valuable items out of view and taking them with you when you leave the vehicle, even if you think you will only be a minute. It’s better to store items in the boot at your point of departure, not the point of arrival – you don’t know who may be watching. Laptops and satellite navigation systems are currently being targeted – keep them out of sight. Even small items like loose change and a packet of cigarettes are incentives to the opportunist thief. Items with your personal details such as vehicle documents also leave you at risk of identity fraud.

If you have a remote locking system, always double check the car is secure by trying the door handle.

Bedfordshire Police has increased patrols in areas of high vehicle crime across the county. Contact them on 01234 841212.