Vehicle
Security
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
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!)
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.
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.
Check
it out
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.
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 0990 502 006, 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.
For
a free copy of the Car Buyer's Guide, published by the Home
Office, contact your local Crime Prevention Officer.
If
you have any information on any crime you can call Crimestoppers
anonymously on 0800 555 111.
