It's shop, shop, shop in the run up to Christmas, with many retailers opening late, or even round the clock, to help us part with our money. But night-time shoppers need to be on their guard, as the cover of darkness can provide rich pickings for the car thief.
"The attraction of shopping at night, with quieter roads and free car parking, appeals to many motorists, but they should be aware that they are also attracting opportunist thieves, who see the potential to bag a few early Christmas presents," says Green Flag spokesperson, Nigel Charlesworth.
"They know they have less chance of being seen and more chance of finding vehicles carrying presents and valuable goods, or items that have been hastily left unsecured."
According to the Home Office*, there were 1,731,000 vehicle-related crimes between April 2005 and March 2006. Although vehicle related crime has fallen by 60% since 1995, it still accounts for 13% of all recorded crime and almost a third (32%) of British Crime Survey crime.
"Protecting your car against crime can be difficult," adds Nigel. "However, most car crime is opportunistic, and with vigilance and common sense, we can do our own bit to beat the thieves."
Green Flag recommends the following tips to help prevent car crime:
- Always park in well-lit, open locations if possible. Think about where you are parking.
- Hide away all valuables and belongings. Make sure mobile phones, CDs and laptops are placed in the boot or well out of view. Even clothing could appeal to the opportunist thief in search of potential designer labels.
- If you have a stereo with a detachable front, always remove it from view.
- Never leave a car door unlocked or a window or sunroof open, even for a minute or two - it only takes a second to reach inside. Petrol forecourts are a prime target for thieves.
- Don't leave credit cards or chequebooks in the glove compartment or under the seat.
Next: Winter driving in Europe
