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MOTOR VEHICLE CRIME PREVENTION ADVICE
This is how you can help protect your car or van: Leaving items on show is an invitation – Power leads, Sat-Nav and mounts, stereo front panels, coins, sunglasses, tools, clothing and bags should be removed from the vehicle or placed out of sight.
Keys and ignition fobs should be kept safe and out of sight and reach – The most common ways to steal a car or van is to take the keys or ignition fob, either when left in the vehicle or from your home through burglary. Always lock and close the windows of your vehicle when unattended – On the drive, the petrol station forecourt or when parking, an unlocked vehicle is the easiest to steal or steal from. A steering wheel lock is a good visual deterrent. When away from home, consider using a ‘Park Mark’ approved
car park. A tracking device can help recover your vehicle if stolen. Keep electronic keys safe – Thieves are using scanners to read and copy electronic keys and steal vehicles without the actual key. When not in use keep your electronic key in a security pouch that blocks the signals from keyless entry fobs. Fit theft resistant number plate fittings – stolen number plates are commonly used to hide the identity of stolen vehicles. Use one-way clutch head screws. Consider fitting a lock to your vehicle on board diagnostic port (OBD) – this will prevent your vehicle from being reprogrammed by a potential thief. Speak to your vehicle dealer for more information.
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. 
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