Lock and hide to protect your ride

Car break-ins are often opportunistic crimes and it could happen to you – follow these tips to outsmart the offender and reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim.

Lock and hide

Even when your car is locked, it’s not impossible to get in. Offenders are less likely to break in if they can’t see anything worth stealing.  So take the time to lock your doors, close the windows and don’t leave valuables in sight.

• Lock your car even if you’re only gone for a few seconds
• Close all windows
• Don’t leave valuables in the car like your wallet, phone or tablet even if it is locked, even loose change can tempt a thief
• Don’t keep registration papers or anything valuable in the glove box
• Never leave spare keys and garage remotes in your car (even if they are hidden)
• If possible, park in a garage, your backyard or carport rather than in your driveway or on the street
• Be aware of where you are parking if you’re out at night, park in a secure carpark or an area that is well lit

Protect your ride

Statistics show cars are more likely to be stolen from a car park than any other location. Your driveway and house are also target locations.

We also know thieves continue to target older vehicles that don’t have an engine immobiliser because they are easier to steal. If you have an older vehicle you should fit it with an Australian Standards approved engine immobiliser or buy a steering wheel lock. If your car was manufactured after 2001, your car will have come with an immobiliser.

For newer cars, thieves are now breaking into houses to find the car keys and then stealing the car.

Outsmart the offender by always taking your car keys with you, and when at home leave them in a safe place. If you leave home without your car, don’t leave your car keys in plain sight in your house.

Report it

If your car is stolen, follow these steps:

• Contact police on 131 444 immediately to file a stolen-vehicle report.
• You may also be asked to provide the following information:
  • License plate number
  • Make, model, and colour of your vehicle as well as any identifying characteristics, and
  • Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
• Contact your insurance company to file a claim within 24 hours of your vehicle being stolen.
• You will need a copy of the police report and/or a case number to provide to your insurance company.

Call

• Police Assistance on 131 444 to report a crime that is NOT life threatening or a time critical emergency  
• Triple Zero 000 in an emergency or life-threatening situation
• Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 to report information about illegal activity, suspicious activity or information which may assist in solving a crime.