Parking

Parking Safely

Avoid leaving your vehicle in poorly lit or isolated areas.
Whenever possible:

  • Use secure or attended car parks.

  • Park in well-lit areas at night.

  • Use your garage if you have one.

When leaving your vehicle:

  1. Turn off the engine.

  2. Close all windows (ensure pets are safe).

  3. Remove the key and engage the steering lock.

  4. Activate your alarm or anti-theft device.

  5. Remove or hide valuables.

  6. Lock all doors.

  7. Never leave vehicle documents inside the car.

Park Mark Safer Parking Scheme

Look for car parks displaying the Park Mark Safer Parking award — these sites are police-approved for meeting safety and crime prevention standards.

Soft-Top Vehicles

Soft-top and cabriolet vehicles are more vulnerable to theft.

Avoid leaving them unattended in obvious or exposed locations.

Remember: Lock it — or lose it.

Protecting Valuables

Car Audio Systems

Car stereos and Bluetooth media units remain popular theft targets.

Take these precautions:

  • Remove the faceplate or detachable unit when you leave the car.

  • Do not store the radio code in the vehicle — memorise it.

  • Activate all built-in security functions.

  • Remove accessories, such as cables or adapters, from view.

Satellite Navigation Systems

If your sat nav is portable:

  • Take the device, cradle, and suction mount with you.

  • Wipe away suction marks from the windscreen or dashboard — these hint to thieves that a device may be hidden inside.

Catalytic Converter Theft

Catalytic converters contain valuable metals and are frequently targeted — especially on vehicles with high ground clearance.

Protect your vehicle by:

  • Parking in a locked garage or well-lit, overlooked area.

  • Having the converter security-marked (Thatcham-approved schemes).

  • Reporting suspicious activity around or under vehicles to the police immediately.

QUICK NAVIGATION

BACK TO CHAPTER