Keep Your Vehicle and Belongings Safe: Essential Tips to Prevent Break-Ins

Keep Your Vehicle and Belongings Safe: Essential Tips to Prevent Break-Ins

Whether you’re a professional relying on your van for work or simply commuting in your car, a break-in can cost you time, money, and peace of mind. Here are practical steps to keep your vehicle and valuables secure:

1. Always Lock Up

Ensure all doors and windows are locked when leaving your vehicle, even if it’s just for a short time.

Double-check the locks with your key fob or manually before walking away.

2. Hide Valuables

Never leave items like laptops, tools, bags, or electronics visible inside your car.

If necessary, lock valuables in the trunk or use a cover to obscure them from view.

3. Park Smart

Choose well-lit and populated areas to park.

Use parking lots with surveillance cameras whenever possible.

4. Install Security Features

Invest in visible deterrents like steering wheel locks or window etching.

Consider installing a vehicle alarm system or GPS tracker for added security.

5. Remove Temptation

Avoid leaving loose change, documents, or spare keys in your vehicle.

Wipe away GPS suction marks from the windshield to signal no device is inside.

6. Stay Vigilant

Report suspicious behaviour or activity in your neighbourhood or parking area.

Join local crime prevention groups to stay informed.

Keep Your Tools and Belongings Safe For van owners, tools are your livelihood. Make it a habit to remove valuable equipment overnight or secure them in a reinforced lockbox. Every small step you take can make a big difference in discouraging theft.

Finally, we urge anyone who has experienced a vehicle break-in to report it to us via 101 or through the Report | Thames Valley Police section on the Thames Valley Police website. Your cooperation and the information you provide are vital in helping us investigate and take action against these crimes.

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Message Sent By
Duncan Peerless
(Police, PCSO, Newport Pagnell)