Top tips for keeping your vehicle safe and secure
For many of us, our car or van is one of the most valuable things we own. That’s why it’s so important to keep it safe, whether parked on the road or on the driveway, and to take steps to prevent car crime as much as possible. From a stolen car radio to a completely hijacked vehicle, any kind of theft or damage can be hugely frustrating to deal with and could see you forking out for repairs and dealing with tricky insurance claims.
Here are our top tips for preventing car crime and maximising the security measures in place to protect your vehicle:
Lock your doors
This may seem obvious, but it’s surprising how many people leave their car doors unlocked while they pop into the house to grab something or are simply stopping by to see a friend for 10 minutes. Leaving your car unattended for even a few minutes could make it vulnerable to opportunists, so make sure you lock the doors whenever you park up.
Keep hold of your keys
Prevent your keys from ending up in the wrong hands by taking good care of them. Losing your car keys isn’t just frustrating – it could also leave you vulnerable to car crime. By dropping your keys on your driveway or just outside your house, opportunists passing by may be able to figure out which car is yours. Dropped keys give them the opportunity to take anything of value or even the vehicle itself, so make sure you take care to keep them as safe and secure as possible. If you do lose your car keys, make sure to call your local locksmiths as soon as possible.
Hide all valuables
Whenever you leave your car, you should also make sure to hide any valuables including your purse/wallet, phone or laptop. Even if you’re only nipping into a local shop, it may take a matter of seconds for someone walking past to smash your window and take off with your belongings. Make sure to hide anything of value in your glovebox, boot or under your seat, and don’t leave anything in your car overnight.
Fit an alarm
Although many cars already have an alarm, it’s a good idea to have a security alarm installed if you drive a vehicle without one. If a criminal knows a car is fitted with an alarm, they are much less likely to do anything to set it off, such as smashing a window or meddling with the locks. In addition to deterring any potential opportunists, a loud alarm will alert you and your neighbours to the presence of unwanted guests.
Install an immobiliser
Installing an immobiliser is a great way to prevent thieves from driving away with your vehicle. Even if they manage to get into your car, they won’t be able to start the car without the right key. Trying to start a car with an immobiliser may not be worth the hassle – especially if an alarm is sounding – and could deter them altogether.
Fortunately, many modern-day cars now have sophisticated locking systems designed to stop thieves in their tracks. While this can give you peace of mind that your vehicle is protected against theft, it can make it difficult for you, the owner, to access your car if you’ve lost or damaged your keys. In this case, it’s always best to call the professionals rather than attempt to gain access yourself.
At Campbell & McGovern, professional locksmiths in Liverpool and Wirral, we’re experts in cutting and replacing car keys and can help you regain full control over your vehicle. For more information about our emergency locksmithing services and range of security solutions, get in touch with us today.
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