Never leave any items of value in your vehicle on leaving it unoccupied
 

Do not leave items of value in the boot – some parcel shelves may not fit flush or may have dropped off centre after use, the smallest of gaps may provide an opportunity for an offender to see through
 

Always remove sat-navs and their holders from the vehicle, and ensure that the sucker mark from the holder is wiped off the window
 

Wherever feasible do not leave any work or business related equipment in your vehicle, especially when your vehicle is left unoccupied overnight – having such items stolen can have a serious impact on your livelihood
 

If you regularly store work equipment in your vehicle overnight is there a more secure option at your place of business?
 

Remove items of value from the glove box and leave it open to show that it is empty – this includes vehicle registration documentation
 

If you are out shopping don’t return to the car to leave bags on your back seat and then return to the shops
 

Ensure that windows and sunroofs are closed – never leave them open, and if you drive a convertible always close the soft top
 

You may know that a bag or a box in your vehicle is empty or contains nothing of value, but an offender won't do and it may catch their attention
 

You may want to consider additional security products depending on your vehicle – there are various solutions available to mark different parts on your vehicle, devices to assist in protecting catalytic convertors and tamper proof screws for number plates.  Tamper proof number plates are also available depending on budget
 

If you are looking to purchase additional physical security for your vehicle we would recommend that you try to purchase devices that  are Thatcham quality assured or Sold Secure tested (www.thatcham.org) and/or www.soldsecure.com)
 

It’s always worth contacting the manufacturer of your vehicle if you are looking for additional specific security devices for in built features such as sat-nav systems or centre consoles