Apart from your home, your car is probably the most valuable thing you own. And yet it’s also the one most at risk. Car crime is now a problem that affects us all, no matter where we live or work.

Car thefts, and thefts from cars, make up almost a third of all reported crime. About one in four cars reported missing each year is never recovered, but these statistics can never take account of the inconvenience caused to you, the owner. If the car is not recovered, it can take a month or more before insurance claims are paid out, not to mention the high costs involved if you have to hire a replacement car to keep you mobile.

Your frustration may not end there. If returned, your car may be badly damaged – in need of repair or beyond use. It’s only after the insurance company’s inspection that you can finally put your vehicle in for what could be expensive repairs.

It all adds up to a lot of delay and inconvenience.
Surrey Police is determined to reduce vehicle crime and you can help us achieve this by following the advice given below

Car audio equipment and clothes - these are the most common items stolen from cars. But pretty much anything will get taken: CDs and tapes, tools, laptop computers, mobile phones, bags, briefcases, sunglasses and credit cards. The reason why things get taken is usually because they're on view for all to see.

Remove - the temptation of a would-be thief by hiding everything away. If they can't see it they won't know it's there. Even shopping bags, cigarettes and loose change can encourage a break-in. If you don’t require an item of property for your journey, leave it at home.

Luggage and valuables - Never leave anything on display. Take your things with you. If you really have to leave them in your car, lock them out of sight in the boot. Don't keep credit cards or cheque books in the glove compartment

Doors - Lock them every time you leave your car, even if it's for a couple of minutes because a couple of minutes are all a thief needs.
Ignition key - Always take it out of the ignition when you leave your car, even when your car is in the garage and especially in a petrol station. Keep your keys out of sight when they are left in your home.

CD players and radios - The latest security-coded equipment won't work if someone tampers with it and disconnects it from the battery. Some car stereos or the face of them can easily be removed and taken out of the car.

Documents - Your registration document, MOT and insurance certificate could help a thief sell your car. Keep them in a safe place at home, not in the car itself.

Parking - When at home, the safest place to park is you garage, if you have one. If not, choose a busy, well-lit area. Thieves don’t like being seen.
And remember... Thieves like older cars, too. In fact, to some extent thieves prefer them, especially so-called 'joy riders', as they don't usually have sophisticated built-in security.

Crimestoppers are running a campaign in February 2006. Could you please remind your watch that their number is 0800 555111. Calls are anonymous and information supplied may result in a reward.

MORE ABOUT YOUR SPECIALIST OFFICERS

PC2303 Dominic Loraine pages at Surrey Police, for Dorking Rural North

http://www.surrey.police.uk/borough_nso.asp?nsoid=2303

PC3480 Michelino Vaccaro pages at Surrey Police, for Dorking South

http://www.surrey.police.uk/borough_nso.asp?nsoid=3480

PC3135 Martyn Savage pages at Surrey Police, for Rural Affairs

http://www.surrey.police.uk/borough_nso.asp?nsoid=3135

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