Having your car broken into and losing your things to thieves can be very distressing.
Here are a few simple steps you can take to keep your vehicle, and what’s in it, safe. Lock your vehicle
Locking your vehicle, even when filling up or parked on your drive, greatly reduces the possibility of it being targeted by an opportunist thief. Even if you have locked your vehicle, check you haven’t left any windows or the sunroof open.
Keep the keys safe
Vehicles today are by and large more difficult to steal than ever, unless the thief can access your key or fob to clone them. Keep your keys safe, out of view when at home, and away from your front door. It’s not uncommon for car keys to be stolen from inside your home by thieves fishing for them with a stick and hook through the letterbox.
Park responsibly and in well lit areas
It’s always advisable to avoid parking in dark and secluded areas. It’s worth an extra five or ten-minute walk if it means your vehicle is left in a well-lit and busier street. And if possible, always try to park in illuminated and staffed car parks or those with a Park Mark safer parking award. To find one, simply check out Park Mark: https://orlo.uk/xfaBk
Fit good in-car security locks
Additional physical security can help to prevent your vehicle being driven away even if a thief gains entry. There are a range of security rated products tested by Sold Secure that can help, such as steering wheel locks.
Double-check electronic locking
Electronic devices can be used to jam the electronic signal from your key fob to lock your vehicle. Check your vehicle has locked before walking away.
Secure your port
Modern vehicles are fitted with engine management diagnostic ports, which can unlock and start your vehicle. If your vehicle has this type of port, consider fitting a lockable cover.
Keyless entry
Cars with keyless entry unlock automatically when the key comes within a short distance of the car.
How to protect your keyless entry car
• When at home keep your car key (and the spare) well away from the car.
• Put the keys in a screened or signal-blocking pouch, such as a Faraday Bag and check if the bag or pouch is still working every few months.
• Reprogramme your keys if you buy a second hand car.
• Turn off wireless signals on your fob when it's not being used.
For more advice head to our website👉 Keeping vehicles safe | Crime prevention | West Midlands Police
For more information about police preferred specification products that help to reduce the chances of vehicle crime please visit:
Secured by Design (SBD)
Sold Secure
Thatcham Research
Stay Safe. Regards. LPA - Dudley Central Team 2 ‘Working in partnership, making communities safer’ | 
