Car Crime Costs £1 Billion!

Car crime has jumped 40% since this time last year meaning that motorists and insurers are getting fleeced.

The reason for this alarming increase is that the value of items taken from cars has increased by 38%. iPods, new phones, laptops and other electrical items are the most commonly reported stolen items.

However there are steps that you can take to lessen the chances of being a victim of car crime.

1) NEVER, EVER leave valuables in site. Many thieves are opportunists, so if you leave you ipod in view, don't expect it to be there when you come back.

2) Always lock your doors. Yes it may sound silly but you'd be amazed how many people leave their cars open on petrol forecourts while they go to pay. Lock it up.

3) Always take the facia from your stereo off. Lot's of people leave the face on their stereos even tho it's removable. Take it with you, a thief is less likely to rip out your stereo if theres no face. Don't think that by hiding it in the glove box you'll fool them either, thats the first place they look.

4) Park in well lit car parks. Never park your car down a dark side street if you can avoid it, believe us you'll wish you'd paid an extra £1 to park in the flood lit car park if your car gets broken into.

5) Get locking wheel nuts on your alloys. Although they aren't guaranteed to save your wheels it's better than nothing.

We realise that there's only so much you can do to prevent car crime but give yourself a fighting chance, don't give thieves an invitation into your car.