Keep Your Car from Being Stolen: Anti-Theft Devices and Tips

#1 Don’t forget to lock your car

Locking your car is the simplest way to protect it, yet people forget to do it every day. Make sure you lock your car whether it’s parked at home, at the grocery store, or in long-term parking at the airport. While it won’t stop a determined car thief, it will certainly prevent an opportunistic burglar from stealing anything valuable in it.
Keep all the windows rolled up and don’t ever leave your car running with the keys in the ignition or store a spare key anywhere in the car.

#2 Be smart about where you park

Whenever possible, park your car in well-lit areas or near a security camera if you’re in a parking garage or other facility. Avoid dark or remote locations where no one would be able to see or hear your car being broken into.
At home, consider installing a visible outdoor security camera so you can monitor who is around your home and to deter would-be thieves.

#3 Install an additional lock

Installing an additional locking device such as a wheel lock, pedal lock, or steering wheel lock makes it extremely difficult for a thief to drive off with your car. Plus, just seeing the locks will deter many thieves from making an attempt.
These types of devices are not terribly expensive and will last a long time, but they also require you to put them on and take them off each time you use your car. The disadvantage is that over time, you may become less vigilant about using them.
You could also use a hood lock, which prevents the hood of the car from being opened without a key. While this won’t stop anyone from stealing the car, it can deter thieves from scrapping your engine for parts.

Park securely: In an ideal world everyone would have a garage they could lock-up safely at night. However, for most motorists off-street parking in a driveway is a more realistic option. Security can be greatly improved by fitting motion detector lighting to deter would-be criminals, and if you must park on the street make sure it’s in a well-lit area. Bear in mind that the highest proportion of all car crime takes place in the street outside the owner’s house, so don’t be complacent.³

Fit an immobiliser: Immobilisers work in a variety of ways by preventing the ignition, starter motor or fuel pump from working. However, they all do the same thing and that’s safeguard your car from theft. Fitting an immobiliser is the single most cost-effective way to reduce your insurance premium, provided it is ‘Thatcham’ or ‘Sold Secure’ approved and fitted by a member of the Vehicle Systems Installation Board (VSIB).

Remove temptation: Opportunist thieves break into cars to steal absolutely anything, so don’t give them the opportunity. Electrical items are favourite targets, but bags and clothing are also popular. Keep your car’s interior clutter free with any valuables locked-up and out of sight in the boot. Similarly empty your glove box and leave it open to show that you’ve got nothing to hide. And finally don’t forget to wipe-off the circular suction mark that your Sat-Nav leaves on your windscreen; they attract thieves like bees to honey.

Fit an alarm: If you haven’t got a factory-fitted alarm you can cut the cost of your insurance by getting a car alarm fitted. The market is awash with alarms detecting everything from a window being broken to your bonnet being opened. Quality varies enormously so check with your insurer that your alarm is