Your car is not your cupboard: How to avoid a break in

According to Wheels24, a UK survey found that the average motorist spends up to 3 years and 4 months of their lives behind the steering wheel.

According to SAPS 2013 statistics, theft out of and from a motor vehicle increased by 7% (an additional 9 183 cases) to a total of 130 475 incidents. This means that each day, on average, 358 vehicles are broken into and property is stolen.

- Do not leave items of value lying in full view on car seats. Always make sure that your possessions are safely locked away in the boot when you are driving and whenever your car is parked in a public area.

- Park your car in a secure parking lot where there are lots of other vehicles.

- Lock your car when driving and when leaving it parked.

- Empty your car at the end of each day to avoid it becoming cluttered with stuff that could be eye candy to a criminal.

- Install window safety film.Not only will it serve as protection against potential smash and grab attacks but if you use a tinted film, it makes it more difficult for would-be criminals to see into the vehicle – especially at night.

- Watch out for car remote jammers. Once you have locked your car, check that it is actually locked. 

By following the above rules, you will avoid being another statistic of vehicle crime.

These tips were brought to you by 1st for Women Insurance.

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