Car crime

Most thefts are carried out by opportunist thieves, who choose "easy targets". A few precautions will help reduce your chances of being a victim of car crime.

Did you know that...

• Most vehicle crime is preventable. It can take as little as 10 seconds for a thief to steal something from your car. If at all possible, leave nothing on view.
• NEVER leave valuable items in your car, including sunglasses, the removable radio cover and your Sat Nav. Do you really need all those things you keep in the glove box?
• Wipe away the Sat Nav mark on your windscreen.
• Consider fitting anti-tamper screws to your number plate.
• Never leave your car keys where they can be seen from the front door. Find out more about 2-in-1 burglary

Vehicle common 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, chequebook, mobile phones, vehicle documents or other valuables in the car.
• Never leave your keys in the car, even for a second - treat them as you would your cash and credit cards.

For more detailed information visit the DirectGov website.

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 matches that on the registration document (V5) - The VIN, formerly known as the chassis number, is a unique 17 character number issued to every vehicle by the manufacturer and can be found:
  • 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.

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.

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 by calling one of the many private companies now providing this service. DirectGov have company contact details on their website.

For more information on buying a vehicle, visit the DirectGov website.

If you have any information on any crime you can call CrimeStoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.