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Co-Op Insurance have taken the brave step to enlist the help of car criminals to help them better understand the threats of car crime.
In a report published to day in the Guardian the Co-op published a list of the ten most popular reasons that car criminal will be put off from committing crime.
The report highlighted what I think most of us already know. Car criminals are opportunistic. They want an easy life and with as little hassle and hard work as possible. Our perception of a car criminal's also has to change. Not every thieve is a shell suited, track suit wearing man. Instead today's car criminals are just as likely to wear an expensive suite, or be wearing smart casual clothes.
According to the report there are however practical things that we can do to deter our vehicles from being targeted.
So what are the top reasons which will deter our vehicle from being targeted. Again we stress this will not stop your vehicle from being stolen but at the least it will make it appear less of a soft option.
Ten reasons which may deter car thieves as seeing your vehicle as a soft option.
- Your house / street has CCTV
- Vehicles which have been fitted with car alarm.
- Having a well lit street
- Parking your car on a driveway.
- Modern newer cars are a more difficult choice.
- A simple steering lock
- Older cars
- Vehicles parked in a Neighbourhood Watch-designated area
- Cars parked in a dark alleyway
- Vehicles fitted with Immobiliser's
Some of the reasons given where surprises and some we think basic common sense. While we stress again that if someone wants your vehicle and is given enough time and enough opportunity they will take it simple precautions such as parking in a well lit area and joining the neighbourhood watch can make a real practical difference.