Car crime is a real problem in the UK. Alarmingly, one car is stolen every ten minutes. With Covid- 19 and the recent lockdowns, many people aren’t driving or checking on their cars as much as they used to. We want to remind car owners to remain vigilant about where and how they park their cars, in order to keep them safe.
John Hayward-Cripps, CEO of Neighbourhood Watch Network, says “Most car crimes happen because cars are left unlocked. There is a misconception that some cars are auto-locking and lock themselves if left unattended after a period of time. This isn’t always correct. Another misconception is that your car is too old and no one will bother stealing it. This is also incorrect – both new and old cars are at risk. Having a car stolen or broken into is more than simply a hassle, it can impact on people’s livelihoods. The good news is that there are simple steps everyone can take to help reduce the risk to their car. With only a 46% recovery rate we’re reminding everyone to leave your car locked, lit and empty.”
Remember: Leave your car:
• Locked A simple mistake that can prove calamitous: 44% of cars are broken into via an unlocked door.
• Lit 80% of car crime occurs during the evening or at night. Parking near streetlamps or in a busy area can deter thieves.
• Empty (or with no items on show) Owners often forget that personal belongings within the car are at as much risk of being stolen as the car itself.
Download this flyer – how to protect your car – and share it with friends, family and your neighbourhood.