Preventing car break-ins

Tell your neighbours

Tell your neighbours if your vehicle has been broken into at your home – thieves often target vehicles in the same street.

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Keep your vehicle keys with you

Keep your vehicle keys with you and your spare keys at home or work. Don't hide a spare key on the car – thieves will find it.

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Remove electrical equipment

Remove cradles and chargers for navigation systems and cell phones from your dashboard.

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Remove your stereo's faceplate

If your stereo has a detachable faceplate, take it with you – without this the stereo is worthless.  Keep a record of your car stereo’s serial number.

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Park safely

Park in busy, open, well-lit areas. Use an attended, secure parking building if you can.

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Keep gym gear hidden

Keep bags, gym gear and coats out of sight, locked in the boot.

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Lock your car

When your car is parked, lock it – even if it’s in your home garage, or parked on your street. This includes the boot and, if you have one, the sunroof.

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Hide your belongings

Don’t display your belongings – this tempts thieves to break the window or force open the door.  AA Insurance estimates that approximately 20 percent of glass damage to cars is caused by thieves breaking into the car to get what they can see.

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Keep valuables out of sight

Keep valuables like your wallet, mobile phone or iPod on you – not in the glove box or under a seat.  Thieves will check the most likely hiding places.

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