In your Car

Never leave the keys in your vehicle when you are filling up with petrol. Not only does the thief get your car, but a full tank of petrol, and all the valuables you have left in it.

It is worth remembering that some insurance companies now reduce or withhold payments if your actions or negligence contributed to the insured loss.

Never leave valuables on display when you leave your vehicle, even for a moment. Purses, lap tops, MP3 players, SatNav units, should all be locked in the boot, or taken with you. Even a jacket can be a tempting target to a thief. It costs a thief nothing to smash your car window and steal your jacket. It will cost you over £150 for a new window and up to £500 for a new door. Even if your insurers cover the cost, you still have to pay the excess charge.

Fit locking wheel nuts - alloys and custom wheels can be a real draw for a thief.

Fit a locking petrol cap or an anti siphon device to prevent fuel thefts.

If your vehicle has an alarm or an immobiliser, use it when you leave your vehicle. If you don’t your insurers could limit the amount they compensate you.

If your radio has a removable front piece, take it off when you leave the car, especially overnight if it is parked on a road or in a public place. The body of the radio is useless to a thief without the face piece.

Consider fitting a tracker device to your car. These devices are activated when your car is stolen and enable the Police to locate it quickly and easily.

• Next [page 2]