All drivers should take measures to prevent theft of their car or anything inside it. Keep the windows up and doors and boot locked at all times, even when inside the car if it is dark or you are in an unknown area.
Always keep possessions such as handbags, mobile phones, sat navs and laptops out of sight. Even if you are in the car they should be secured – tucked under a seat or with the strap wrapped carefully around the seat so they cannot be grabbed by a passing opportunist thief. When leaving the car, nothing should be left on show. Remember to remove signs such as the holder for a sat nav or mobile phone as well so as not to give burglars any reason to think there is something valuable in the vehicle.
Fitting an immobiliser or alarm is a great way to deter thieves from taking your car. Many modern cars come with one of these devices built-in, but they can be added to older models. For more expensive vehicles a GPS tracking device can be fitted. This can be activated when the car is stolen so it can be found quickly and easily by police.
When at home, keep the car in a garage is possible and do not leave the keys by the front door where a thief who breaks into your home could easily find them.