Don't give criminals an easy ride!

Car crime makes up nearly 20% of all recorded crime in England and Wales.

Car crime can be distressing and annoying as it can cause considerable  inconvenience - you could be without a car for weeks, waiting for the garage to make repairs or for your insurer to pay.

A lot of car crime results from criminals seeing opportunities and taking them.

Remember - most car crime can be prevented.

Advice to drivers includes:

• Always secure your vehicle.
• Leave it in a safe location where it can be easily seen by passers-by -
  or lock it in a garage.
• Do not leave valuables in your vehicle - but if there is no alternative,
  leave them out of sight in the boot.
• Fit an alarm and immobiliser to the vehicle and, if you have audio equipment,
  make sure it is security-coded or portable and is post-coded.
• Etch your registration number or vehicle identification number on all glass surfaces.

Visit http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/crime-victims/reducing-crime/vehicle-crime/  for useful crime prevention advice about car security