The Ultimate Guide To Car Security
This guide will provide you the finest information on how to keep your car secure while parked at home or on the road, as well as the best anti-theft gadgets you can buy for your car to ensure your Car Security is maximised.
Ultimate Guide to Car Security: Protect your Vehicle from Theft
Car security is on the rise so taking proactive measures to prevent a thief from stealing your car will save you time, money and stress.
Every year, thousands of individuals fall victim to vehicle theft. According to the most recent ONS Crime Survey, vehicle theft has risen a steady 8% in comparison to the previous year; 132,489 vehicles stolen between October ’22 – September ’23.
Criminals are getting smarter and are using advanced technologies to bypass the cars inbuilt security systems, outsmarting the manufactures at every turn. Take a look at our advice below to increase your cars security so you don’t become another number on the vehicle theft list.
Parking with Security in Mind
One of the easiest ways to improve your vehicle security is to park with security at the forefront of your mind.
1. Park in a well-lit area
Always park your vehicle in a well-lit area that has a lot of foot traffic. The more opportunities for a burglar to be spotted the less likely they are to target your car.
2. Locked Garage
Out of sight out of mind plays a part in vehicle security, especially with opportunistic thieves. If you do have a garage, ensure you use it to its full potential, and protect it further with outdoor security lighting and an additional garage lock.
3. Car Park
If you cannot find suitable parking on the streets and have no safe place at home, your best bet is to park in a secure car park.
Additional Car Security Measures
You can also increase the security of your car with some extra measures that suit all budgets and are generally easy to install yourself if a novice.
Steering Wheel Lock
These are a great visual deterrent and are easy to install in seconds, adding an instant layer of protection. Steering wheel locks start from around £10 and go all the way up in price to around £300!
Wheel Clamps
A bit pricier than steering wheel locks, wheel clamps range from around £40-£150. They are a great long-term solution, such as if you’re going on holiday for example.
Dash Cam
As well as recording any incidents that may happen whilst you are driving, dash cams aid in deterring thieves and can even catch them red handed in the act if your car were to be stolen.
Tracking Devices
Whilst these wont help with preventing your vehicle from being stolen, they can help in the recovery of it should it be stolen. Ranging from £25-£150.
Parking Posts
If you have a drive, a parking post is a sound investment to protecting your car. Made of heavy-duty steel, the posts can be locked upright preventing a thief from being able to drive off with your car. They can range from £50 to over £2,000.
Window Etching
Window etching is a series of code digits that are etched onto your car windows. They are recorded onto a national database along with the owners’ details which makes recovering your vehicle simpler if found by the police.
Key Security
Protecting your key from theft is just as important as protecting your car, both in the traditional sense and with relay theft on the rise.
Faraday Pouches
If you have a keyless entry car, keeping your car key in a faraday pouch is an essential. Whilst technology has become smarter, so have thieves who can steal your keyless car in a matter of minutes.
Key Storage
Like your house key, never leave your key in plain sight near the windows or near the door where burglars can ‘fish’ your keys through the letter box. A good place to keep your keys are in a bedside drawer.
Signs your Car is being Targeted
Some of the methods thieves use to target your car include:
- Lock tampering – look out for tape over your lock!
- Pry marks, window and body mark scratches
- Subtle sticks – check the lights and under the fuel cap
What to do if your Car is being Targeted?
Of course, these marks may have been caused by something less sinister, so it is important to remain vigilant when you are concerned.
- Take photos of your car and any marks you are particularly concerned about.
- Report to the police using the non-emergency line (101 if in England and Wales) and keep a log.
- Implement additional security measures we mention above.
What to do if your Vehicle is Stolen
- Report to the police immediately.
- Notify your insurer.
- Don’t forget to utilise the tracking system if installed.
Vehicle theft may be on the rise but with some simple and effective changes you can help prevent your car becoming one of the numbers on the list of stolen vehicles each year.
Leigh Edgley
From Yorkshire hills to Dorset shores, Leigh has spent 14 years mastering the art of getting people back on the road. As Keytek's trusted Auto Locksmith covering Poole, Bournemouth, Christchurch, and beyond, he's turned vehicle emergencies into his specialty over the past 8 years. Beyond the tools and techniques, Leigh shares his deep automotive expertise through Keytek's website content, helping drivers understand the complexities behind modern car key technology. His real-world experience with transponder programming, remote diagnostics, and security systems translates into practical guidance that helps resolve automotive locksmith issues for everyday drivers. What sets Leigh apart isn't just his technical expertise—it's his understanding that being locked out of your car isn't just inconvenient, it's genuinely stressful. His calm approach transforms panic into relief, whether you're stranded in a car park or stuck outside your own driveway. When he's not rescuing drivers, Leigh embraces his own freedom on his Harley Davidson, or pushing limits through rock climbing, kite surfing, and spearfishing. This adventurous spirit fuels the problem-solving mindset that makes him Dorset's go-to auto locksmith.