Vehicle Crime Prevention

Vehicle Crime Prevention

Dear Resident,

Don't let thieves get an easy ride. Follow our advice to help keep you and your vehicle safe from crime.

1. Lock your vehicle

Locking your vehicle, even when filling up or parked on your drive, greatly reduces the possibility of it being targeted by an opportunist thief. Even if you have locked your vehicle, check you haven’t left any windows or the sunroof open.

It is actually illegal to leave your vehicle running unattended while you de-ice it or warm it up in cold weather. If someone takes it while it’s left like this, your insurer won’t pay out because you won’t be covered.

If your vehicle has wing mirrors that fold in automatically when locked, make sure you lock it properly. Criminal gangs are looking for vehicles like these where the wing mirrors are still out because it is clear to them that the vehicle has been left unlocked.

2. Keep the keys safe

Vehicles today are by and large more difficult to steal than ever, unless the thief can access your key or fob to clone them. Keep all sets of your keys safe, out of view when at home, and away from your front door.

Keyless car theft or 'relay theft' is when a device is used to fool the car into thinking the key is close by. This unlocks the car and starts the ignition.

Thieves only need to be within a few metres of your car key to capture the signal, even if it’s inside your home. This means that even if your car and home are secure, thieves can still unlock, start and steal your car.

How to protect your keyless entry car:

When at home keep your car key (and the spare) well away from the car.

Put the keys in a screened or signal-blocking pouch or box, such as a Faraday Bag and check if the bag or pouch is still working every few months.

Reprogramme your keys if you buy a second hand car.

Turn off wireless signals on your fob when it's not being used.

Make sure you take all recall opportunities from your car’s manufacturer as these may include critical security updates

Where possible, use physical security such as steering wheel locks that cover the full steering wheel and immobilisers are still highly recommended.

If you can, park in a location that is visible and has good security.

Electronic devices can be used to jam the electronic signal from your key fob to lock your vehicle. Always manually check your vehicle has locked before walking away.

Our Crime Prevention page offers advice and best practice for you to follow alongside practical crime prevention methods: from basic hints and tips to more detailed strategies.

If a crime is happening now, or you have immediate concerns for your safety, dial 999.

If you have information about suspicious activity or those involved in crime, call us on 101 or Live Chat online.

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Message Sent By
Emily Rhodes
(West Midlands Police, Engagement & Consultation Officer, West Midlands)