Preventing Vehicle Crime

Do I need an alarm or immobiliser?

Vehicles that are fitted with alarms and immobilisers are, generally speaking, less likely to be stolen than those that are not.

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Where should I park my car?

The safest place to park your car is in a locked garage. If this is not possible use the driveway of your home or the road immediately outside your home. In a town centre the safest place to park is in car park with the 'Secured Car Park' award. A list of such car parks is available on the West Yorkshire Police website. Always try to park in a well-lit open location and double check to ensure that all doors, windows, sunroof and boot are closed and locked before leaving it. Use any security devices that are fitted or available to you such as alarms, immobilisers and steering locks. Never leave the key in the ignition - even in your own driveway.

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How easy is it to steal from a car?

It takes only a few seconds to take valuables out of a car. Don't make it easy. Never leave a car door unlocked or a window or sunroof open even at a filling station or outside a shop. Never leave credit cards or cheque books in the glove compartment and don't leave the vehicle documents in the car. Nothing of any value should be left on display inside the car. Even a coat or bag might tempt a thief to believe that it contains something of value. Lock anything of value in the boot or better still remove it completely from the vehicle. Security mark your stereo and take it with you if it is removable. Make a note of the serial number and keep it in a safe place. If you have alloy wheels get them permanently marked and have the car registration number etched on all the car windows.

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Some easy steps to reduce the risk of your car being stolen

If you rarely, if ever, use your vehicle in the early hours of the morning consider using the West Yorkshire Police Vehicle Watch Scheme stickers on the windscreen and rear window of the vehicle. This will encourage police officers to stop your vehicle and check out the driver if seen being driven at such times.

If your vehicle is rarely, if ever, used by someone apparently under the age of 25 then consider using the West Yorkshire Police 25 Scheme stickers in the vehicle. This will encourage police officers to stop your vehicle and check out the driver if seen being driven by a young person.

If your vehicle has alloy wheels get them permanently marked and have the car registration number etched on all the car windows.

Please contact your local crime prevention/reduction officer on 101 for any matters relating to vehicle security or that of yourself or your home.