By Classic Yorkshire correspondent Tony Lofthouse
We might be looking forward to the festive season, but one things certain car thieves will show no such seasonal cheer!
Unfortunately, at this time of year cars are popular targets.
Classic Yorkshire has prepared some handy tips to keeping your car safe and secure.
- Think about getting your car windows marked. Do-it-yourself kits are available online
- When parking, leave your car in gear and turn the front wheels towards the kerb. This makes it harder for thieves to tow away
- Always park in well-lit areas and ideally in a busy traffic area
- Don’t leave items on display such as mobile phones, tablets or money (even loose change)
- Keep your car locked at all times – thieves will test doors. When you leave your car check windows are closed too
- Don’t leave keys on display at home such as next to your front door – keep them safe and hidden
- Fit a basic immobiliser, alarm or use a steering wheel lock. These locks might be a bit 80s but they are still good deterrents
- Think about fitting a tracking device. That way, if your car is targeted you have a better chance of finding it again. Modern devices can pick up someone tampering with your car
- Consider replacing your door locks with more modern locking mechanisms. Older car locks are susceptible to readily available try-out keys
- If you’re putting your car into winter storage it could be worth removing the battery
- Secure your garage or driveway with sensor lights or security cameras.
It’s a fact that with older cars, stolen parts are valuable sell-on items. Thieves are known to mark a car by using a marker pen or by pushing in the wing mirror to highlight their target.
At Classic Yorkshire we know how much you value your own cars, so it’s worth spending a little extra to keep them protected for your enjoyment and no one else’s.
Do you have a useful tip to protecting your car? Why not share it by posting a comment at the end of this blog?