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 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 your keys safe, out of view when at home, and away from your front door. If you're selling your car and you meet up with a potential buyer, do not allow the keys out of your sight. Your keys may be cloned by thieves and used later to steal your vehicle. 3.Keyless entry Cars with keyless entry unlock automatically when the key comes within a short distance of the car. This can be from inside a pocket or bag. If you have to push a button on your car key to open your car, you don't have keyless entry. 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: 4.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, 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. Additional physical security such as locks and immobilisers is still highly recommended. 5.Fit good in-car security locks: Additional physical security can help to prevent your vehicle being driven away even if a thief gains entry. There are a range of security rated products on Sale that can help, such as steering wheel locks, pedal boxes, and gear stick locks. 6. Double-check electronic locking 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. 7.Secure your port Many modern vehicles are fitted with engine management diagnostic ports, which can unlock and start your vehicle. If your vehicle has this type of port, consider fitting a lockable cover. Kindest Regards Georgina | 
