The last thing you want is your car broken into or stolen. If you don’t secure your car now, you could end up paying for it later. Here are a few cheap ways of keeping your car safe.

Alarms

• Car alarms can stop thieves from not only stealing your car, but also taking items from it.
• Alarms must be fitted by a professional; either ask your car dealer or an installer approved by the Vehicle Systems Installation Board.

Approved

• To make sure you buy the best, you should only buy security products or services that are approved by either Thatcham (the Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre) or by Sold Secure.
• Never try to fit anything yourself. Leave it to the professionals; either your car dealer or by an installer approved by the Vehicle Systems Installation Board.

Car history check and tracking

• Get a commercial database such as HPI Group Ltd, Carwatch UK Ltd or CCN Motorfile to check out the car you've got your eye on. It may have been reported stolen or written off by an insurance company.
• If your car is expensive or has sentimental value, you can buy an in-car tracking device.

Immobilisers

• Immobilisers are gadgets that stop your car from starting and are the best way to stop thieves.

Keys

• When you leave your car, always take the ignition key with you. Don't pop back into the house and leave the engine running on a cold winter's morning.
• At home, keep keys, including a spare set, safe and out of sight.

Locks

• Remember to use steering wheel locks every time you leave your car. You should only buy one that is approved by Thatcham (the Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre) or by Sold Secure.
• Locking wheel nuts are cheap, easy to fit and stop thieves from taking your wheels. Look for products that are approved by Thatcham or by Sold Secure.
• Lock all the doors when you leave your car and even while you're driving. Keep the windows rolled up too, especially when you're driving slowly in traffic. It only takes a few seconds at a stoplight for a thief to reach in and take whatever you've left on a seat.
• Get a lockable petrol cap. Some new cars already have these as standard.

Parking

• If you've got a garage, use it and lock it. If you haven't or you're away from home, park where there's plenty of light and life, or where you see a sign for a police-approved and managed car park to keep your car safe.

Stereos

• When buying a stereo, choose one you can remove and take with you.
• Mark it with your registration number or postcode. Make a note of the serial number.
• Some manufacturers now fit stereo equipment with different parts spread around the car.

Valuables

• Never leave papers lying around, especially private mail with your address on it or documents eg. vehicle registration documents.
• Remember to take your house keys, cash, cards and chequebook with you when leaving the car.
• Don't leave anything on show in your car. Even an old coat can be too much to resist. Most car criminals 'smash and grab' first and think about how much it's worth later.

Vehicle ID

• Have your car registration number or the last 7 digits of your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) etched onto all windows, both windscreens and your headlamps.

To find your nearest approved garage or dealership call or visit:

Thatcham: 0870 550 2006

Sold Secure: 01327 264687

Related Links:

• Car Watch UK
• HPI Car check service
• Retail Motor Industry Federation
• Sold Secure - car security systems
• Thatcham - motor insurance repair research
• Vehicle Systems Installation Board