Hampshire Constabulary have issued a series of hints and tips to help ensure you keep your vehicle safe this bank holiday weekend, especially if heading into the countryside.
Vehicle crime makes up more than a quarter of all recorded crime in the UK and just recently a number of vehicles have been targeted in the Brading, Sandown and Shanklin areas.
Criminals who target vehicles are opportunists and most vehicle-related crimes can be prevented by taking simple security measures.
- Never leave valuable possessions such as handbags, laptops, phones or sat navs on show inside your car. Even items of little value, such as shopping bags and clothing, may tempt a thief
- Don’t hide your valuables in the boot. Someone may be watching
- Always lock your car, wind up the windows and close the sunroof, even if you’re only leaving it for a few minutes
- Double check it’s locked. It only takes a few seconds for your valuables to be stolen from an unlocked car
For extra security:
- fit a car alarm
- use a steering wheel lock
- get an immobiliser, this stops the engine from starting if the car is being stolen
- always park your car in well-lit areas in full public view
- look for police approved car parks with the Park Mark logo
- when in stationary in traffic, keep your doors locked and windows up
- take your sat nav with you and wipe away any marks left by the suction pads
- don’t leave items in the glove compartment
- if you have a garage, use it
Tips on how you can help protect your motorcycle or bicycle can be found at https://www.hampshire.police.uk/advice/protecting-your-home-and-belongings/vehicle-crime/.
