Our motors are at the heart of our lifestyles, and unfortunately, there are more than a few of us who have been unlucky enough to have woken up one morning to find our pride and joy unexpectedly missing from our driveway. With winter around the corner, darkness creeps up much earlier in the evenings, and Tracker Network (UK) Ltd, the UK’s leading stolen vehicle recovery specialist, reveals that October-December is the most active month of the year for criminals stealing cars, and warns that thefts peak in November. We work with Tracker to ensure that you get the best protection on your vehicle.
You may not consider your car desirable – but even if you don’t have the newest, top-of-the-range vehicle, you are still vulnerable to criminal theft. A global lack of good quality used vehicles, alongside spare parts shortages, is increasing the desirability of older, lower-value cars, vans and motorcycles. Vehicles are often stolen and stripped for their parts or stolen in order to be shipped abroad to meet international demand. Lower-value cars are also often the target for joyriders.
In 2021, the home office reported 101,198 cases of vehicle theft. Together with the police, Tracker has to date recovered over £575 million worth of stolen vehicles and continues to recover on average £1 million worth of stolen vehicles each month. To take action against car theft, here are a few precautions you can take into consideration yourself to ensure the best possible security of your vehicle:
Tracker’s Security Advice
○ At home, don’t keep keys in a place where they can be seen or accessed from outside.
○ If your vehicle has a keyless car entry system consider storing your keys – both sets – in a metal tin or Faraday pouch to block the signal against relay attack technology.
○ Never leave the keys in the vehicle’s ignition when you are stepping away from the vehicle, even if you are just jumping out quickly.
○ Never leave your car running unattended when de-icing.
○ Always lock and secure your vehicle – even when you get inside.
○ Do not leave belongings or technology items on display, such as satnavs or mobile telephones. Take them with you or lock them in the boot.
○ Never leave car documents or spare keys inside the car – this only makes it easier for thieves to sell it on.
○ Park in busy or well-lit and attended car parks near CCTV cameras.
○ If you have a garage, use it to park your car.
○ Consider fitting a tracking device to help police recover your vehicle if it’s stolen.
Tracker has an unrivalled stolen vehicle recovery rate of more than 95%, with 80% of those stolen vehicles recovered within 24 hours. Tracker’s solutions work like an electronic homing device. A covert transmitter is hidden and there is no visible evidence, so the thief won’t know it’s there!
Take a look at their award-winning products and find peace of mind today. For more information, visit www.tracker.co.uk or LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Tracker Insights.
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