Reduce Your Risk Of Car Theft With These Simple Tips

It might not be the most exciting part of car ownership, but it’s one of the most important. Car theft in the UK is on the rise, and it’s not just luxury motors or high-end SUVs being targeted. Everyday cars, family hatchbacks and even vans parked outside homes are all potential targets if the conditions are right.

These days, thieves aren’t always wearing hoodies and hiding in the shadows. Modern methods are slick, fast, and sometimes shockingly quiet.

That doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do. In fact, a few simple steps can make a huge difference. So, whether you’re protecting your pride and joy or just trying to keep hold of your daily run-around, this article covers everything you should be doing right now to keep your car safe.

First, though, let's answer some of the basics.

Will Car Insurance Cover Car Theft?

Your insurance cover will ‘probably’ cover theft, but there are a few things to think about (which we’ll cover in more detail later). Namely, you’ll need to check whether there are any security requirements on your policy, whether it covers keyless entry theft and if your no-claims bonus will be impacted.

Do The Police Investigate Car Theft?

Whilst there are a shockingly high number of car thefts not investigated each year (with 7 in 10 not looked into in 2024 alone) police still have a duty to and will investigate car crime.

If you’re the victim of a car theft, it’s always worth reporting it to the police. In most cases, you may actually have to report it for insurance purposes.

Car Theft Statistics | UK Overview

Let’s start with some reality. In 2023, over 130,000 vehicles were reported stolen across England and Wales. That’s roughly one vehicle every four minutes.

Even more worrying? Many of these thefts happen in plain sight, on driveways or outside homes, and often within seconds, especially if the car uses keyless entry technology.

And while prestige cars might make headlines, it’s regular models that often top the most stolen lists such as Ford Fiestas, VW Golfs and Vauxhall Corsas. Why? They're common, parts are in demand, and thieves know how to get in and out fast.

Read More: The Top 10 Most Stolen Cars

How To Prevent Car Theft

Don’t Make Car Theft ‘Easy’

It sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how often it happens. Keys left on hallway tables, engines running while a boot’s being packed, unlocked cars on quiet streets; they’re all green lights to opportunists.

Here are some simple habits you should build to reduce your risk:

• Always lock your car, even on your own driveway.
• Never leave valuables or tech (yes, even charging cables) in view.
• Avoid keeping spare keys in the car, even in “hidden” spots.
• Park in well-lit areas, near cameras or busy footpaths if possible.
• Use physical deterrents like steering wheel locks or pedal boxes.

It’s about creating friction. Make the theft slower, louder, or more difficult, and you’re far more likely to avoid it altogether.

Watch Out For Keyless Entry Vulnerabilities

Modern cars are clever, but some technology can work against you.

Keyless entry systems, the kind that unlock your doors when the fob’s nearby, have become a top target, accounting for 60-70% of all thefts (in 2024).

Thieves use relay devices to trick the car into thinking the key is present. The entire process can take less than 30 seconds, and you may not even notice it happening.

What can you do?

• Store keys in a signal-blocking pouch or box (Faraday pouches are widely available).
• Don’t keep keys near doors or windows, where the signal is easier to intercept.
• Check if your car lets you disable keyless features overnight (some models do).
• Consider steering locks or wheel clamps: not just for old-school nostalgia, but because they actually work.

You don’t have to ditch the convenience, but knowing how to limit your exposure helps.

Fit Security Devices That Actually Do Something

Some modern security systems aren’t all they’re cracked up to be, and with thieves getting smarter, relying on factory-fitted alarms alone isn’t always enough.

If you want to up your game, look into:

• Aftermarket car alarms with sirens and tilt sensors.
• Visible security devices like steering wheel locks which act as a deterrent.
• Immobilisers or OBD port locks, which prevent the car from being started even if thieves gain access.
• CCTV or video doorbells overlooking your driveway: not fool proof, but useful evidence and a visible deterrent all the same.
• GPS Trackers: A GPS car tracker won’t stop your car theft, but it could help recover your vehicle.

Want to check how secure your car actually is? Sites like Thatcham Research rank vehicles and systems for theft resistance.

Keep Your Car Documents Safe (And Separate)

You’d be surprised how many people leave V5 documents, MOT certificates, or service books in the glove box. If your car is stolen with all that inside, it makes reselling far easier for thieves.

Keep your log book, spare keys, service history and other documents together, but make sure you save them outside of the vehicle

If you must carry important paperwork (say for a service or sale), only do it when needed, and never leave it unattended in the car.

Pay Attention To Where (And How) You Park

Urban areas see more thefts, but rural spots aren’t immune either. Where you leave your car matters, especially overnight.

Better spots include driveways with gates or bollards, areas covered by street lighting or CCTV and multi-storey car parks with security patrols.

It may seem daft, but if you’re parking on the street, try to reverse into spaces. Why? It’s a bit less convenient for a thief in a hurry to make a quick getaway.

As well as this, if you’re heading away for a few days and leaving the car behind, ask a neighbour to keep an eye or move it occasionally to make it look in use. This is particularly important for owners of sought-after cars, which could be targeted over several weeks prior to theft.

Check If You’re Covered

While not a physical deterrent, knowing your insurance policy inside out is just as important. Some insurers offer discounts for visible security devices or immobilisers, so it might be worth fitting them anyway.

It’s worth checking whether your policy covers keyless theft specifically, as well as what proof of security you might need for a claim.

In most cases, a claim for car theft will ultimately affect your no-claims bonus, but it’s worth checking with your provider to be 100% clear on this.

Remember, being the victim of car theft is already stressful enough; you don’t want to be reading the fine print for the first time after something’s already gone wrong.

A Few Final Words

Unfortunately, highly experienced and determined car thieves will almost always find a way to prevail, but most car theft isn’t a professional operation. It’s fast, opportunistic, and preventable.

Your goal is to make your car less appealing, more hassle, and riskier to take than the one next to it.

A combination of good habits, visible deterrents, and a bit of smart technology goes a long way. You don’t need to live in fear; you just need to stay one step ahead.

And if you’re ever tempted to think, “It won’t happen to me”… well, the numbers suggest it just might.

If you’ve found this article useful, why not share it with your network and help them stay safer too?

Pin It!