Road Masters Driving School

Figures gathered by the RAC has reported rise of 30% in car theft in recent years.  Whilst there could be other reasons for this it does raise questions about modern anti-theft technology as car theft rates had actually been decreasing since 2002. The RAC also found a notable rise in the theft of motorcycles and scooters.

Modern anti-theft technology

When buying a new(ish) car you are often presented with extra, modern anti-theft alarms and immobilisers but are they effective?  The rise in car theft is surprising considering these improvements, however in reality the thieves are just finding new ways to get around these high tech features. Anti-theft devices being put in place are just not up to scratch.

Cars using keyless fobs seem to be the worst as the technology is far from secure. It is even possible to steal a car by holding a bag up to a house door and use a device to activate and extend the reach of the keyless fob inside the home.  Organised gangs will then steal cars and export them abroad for profit.

How to keep your car safe from car theft

As a consequence of this rise in car theft, motorists are also seeing their insurance premiums rise. Combined with a variety of other factors, this is making the cost of driving even more expensive.

Now there is a rise in the number of people purchasing anti-theft devices like those used back in the 1980s and 1990s! Steering wheel locks and gear stick locks are enjoying something of a resurgence.

There are several steps you can take to help keep your car safe.

1. Park it somewhere safe particularly at night
2. Always remember to lock it, with all windows and the sunroof closed securely
3. Leave all valuables out of sight as well
4. You should also ensure that you have any appropriate alarms and immobilisers fitted, which will hopefully deter anyone who is hoping to steal it
5. Never leave your car running while it is unattended
6. Try to avoid leaving your registration document in the vehicle, as this can help thieves to get away with stealing it if they’re stopped by the police
7. If you want an obvious deterrent, a steering wheel lock is ideal. This shows people that you’ve taken steps to secure your car, which may make them think that you have other devices in place too (even if you don’t).

By following these tips, you can decrease your chance of being a victim of car theft, even if the numbers continue their steep rise.