Crime Prevention Advice
Car and Driver Security
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Vehicle crime - protect yourself
Did you know that...
- Half a million vehicles are stolen in the UK every year.
- Vehicle crime accounts for more than a quarter of all reported crime.
- 40 percent of stolen vehicles are never returned to their owners.
- Older cars are more likely to be stolen than newer ones
- Property is stolen from cars every 13 seconds in England and Wales
- More than 30 percent of vehicle crime happens in car parks
Common car sense
Always
- Close the windows and sunroof lock the doors and activate any security devices when leaving your car unattended.
- Park with care, particularly at night or if you are leaving the vehicle for a long time. If possible, park in a busy, well-lit area.
Never
- Leave cash, credit cards, cheque book, mobile phones, vehicle documents or other valuables in the car.
- (If you have no choice but to do so, make sure they are hidden well out of sight before you begin your journey - thieves may be watching you park!)
Keys - keep them safe
- Never leave them in the car, even for a second - treat them as you would your cash and credit cards.
- Make sure they are kept in a secure place at home and at work - burglars have been known to break into houses and offices to steal car keys.
If you see anything unusual or suspicious, call the police immediately.
In an emergency dial 999.
Buying a car
Buying a used car - Be prepared!
Always
- Ask to see proof of the seller's identity and address - an official letter or driving licence, for example.
- Make sure the car's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) matches that on the registration document - see the section VIN - know where it is - to help you find it.
Never
- Let the seller bring the car to you, as you may need to confirm their address details.
- Buy a car without the registration document (V5) - make sure it has a DVLA watermark and has not been altered in any way.
- View a car before you've read "The Car Buyers Guide" - we suggest you take a copy with you as a reminder to ask the right questions.
Check it out
- If in doubt, ask the AA, RAC or another reputable organisation to inspect the car before agreeing to buy.
- You can check the car's history and second-hand status - see the section 'Take their advice' for further information.
The VIN - know where it is
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), formerly known as the chassis number, is a unique 17 character number issued to every vehicle by the manufacturer.
Look for the VIN:
- Stamped on the body chassis or frame.
- On a manufacturer's VIN plate under the bonnet or fixed to the post between the front and rear doors.
- On an additional plate fixed securely to the top corner of the dashboard where it can easily be seen through the windscreen - this is called a visible VIN.
- When buying a car, always check that the VIN has not been tampered with and that it matches that on the registration document (V5).
Buying a new Car
We advise you to consider the following security features
- electronic engine immobilisation
- locking wheel nuts
- secure in-car entertainment
- lockable fuel caps
- central locking
- security etching
- deadlocks
- alarms
You should ensure your car has as many of these features as possible.
Speak to your insurer about security - some systems may reduce your premium.
Think about fitting a vehicle tracking system if you are buying a particularly expensive car or one that might be attractive to thieves.
Take their advice
- For security advice call the National Vehicle Security Helpline on 0870 550 2006, or speak to your local police Crime Prevention Officer.
- For a list of recognised security products call Sold Secure on 0800 192 192.
- For information about vehicle inspections call the AA on 0800 234 999, or the RAC on 0990 333 660.
- To check the status of a second-hand vehicle, call Equifax HPI on 01722 422 422.
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