Vehicle Security & Recommended Safeguards
Statistically speaking vehicle theft has considerably reduced in recent time.
By following some simple preventative measures you will assist in reducing your risks of theft...
1) Always ensure you lock all windows and doors including the sun roof when you leave the vehicle unattended. Even if it is only a few minutes and within view still lock it.
2) Never leave expensive items on visual display.
Even the most trivial of items such as a jacket may attract a thieves
as, they may feel it obtain a wallet with credit cards or cash.
3) If the car stereo is removable or has partial detachment ensure you take this.
4) Satellite Navigation Devices where possible should also be removed including the support
cradle and suction pad.
Always use a cloth to remove visual suction marks after useage.
Leaving them will identify you have a device possibly still in the vehicle.
5) Tuck in wind mirrors to discourage unwarranted vandalism.
6) Never keep or store valuable documents within the car even if in a lockable glove compartment.
7) If you leave your engine running for whatever the reason (maybe to defrost windows)
always stay in or directly next to your vehicle.
8) You may consider on older model vehicles installing a Thatcham-Compliant Immobiliser,
Autolock Steering or Gearbox Lock or Alarm.
9) Most modern vehicles have window security recognition etchings which have your vehicles registration number, VIN number (usually the last seven digits) along with a unique barcode.
If they are older vehicles then consider having these placed upon the vehicle.
10) Ensure when at home you (as with your household keys) keep them out of sight
and reach incase of a break-in.
You do not want to risk theft of your vehicle in the bargin.
11) Always when considering buying a new vehicle think security.
Consider using a Thatcham website to compare security scores of different makes and models of vehicle. Consider those which have won recognition awards for security from The Annual British Insurance
Vehicle Security Awards.
Explore your best options never rush such an important decision.
Driving Safely
1) Ensure before undergoing any journey especially those of length that your car is in good condition and road worthy.
Always check that you have adequate petrol in the tank for the journey. Allow in this for traffic congestion. Remember, when stuck in traffic you are using more fuel especially when starting/stoping constantly.
2) Try your best to ensure you keep doors locked whilst driving and, all valuable items out of view of others preferably in the boot were they are more secure and can be locked away till needed.
3) When parking your vehicle try your best to do this in well illuminated locations and, populated areas.
Give consideration to that if you are leaving the vehicle till late evening or nightime what will the location be like after darkened hours have occured.
4) Where and if possible try using car parks that are registered under The Safer Parking Scheme.
These are usually approved by the local police or authority and, display appropriate signage as a guideline. You will find such car parks are usually monitored either by personnel or linked cctv.
You can obtain information by the internet of your nearest available registered Safer Car Park to the location required by visiting... http://www.saferparkingcom
5) Should you breakdown on a motorway, follow the arrows indicating the safest route to the nearest available emergency response phone.
Never under any circumstance cross over the carriageway into on going traffic.
Ensure you wait away from your vehicle, far away as possible from the carriageway till appropriate roadside assistance arrives. Should you be in a situation were you perhaps feel unsafe then, sit in the passenger side sit not the drivers as, this will be in the direct line of busy, flowing traffic.
6) Never under any circumstance pick up nor accept lifts from any person you do not know personally. Naturally, the only exception to this should be a breakdown response representative or emergency services i.e. police in the event were it becomes necessary for you to be taken from the location.
7) It is always advisable to have in your possession a mobile phone in case however, it is important to not have this on display when driving. Also, never attempt to speak on a mobile phone whilst you are actually driving your vehicle as this is a criminal offence and you will if stopped face appropriately imposed fines or legal action by the police.
Buying or Selling On a Used Vehicle
In buying a used vehicle you will find most sellers are genuine with good intentions to sell on their vehicle.
Although, in some circumstances you may find the seller is bogus and getting rid of the vehicle under false circumstances in that they have stolen the vehicle and are getting rid of it with the full knowledge of this.
Try your level best to protect yourself against this risk by following these simple guidelines...
1) Upon seeing a vehicle that holds your interest in buying consider the option of contacting a reputable organisation that have databases that store information on the actual history of the vehicle you wish to purchase. This data would include...
Known to be stolen, damage, still under financial agreement of a company.
2) Always ensure when organising to purchase a vehicle that you arrange to meet the person
selling on the vehicle at their own home.
This should be the same as stated on the DVLA vehicle ownership document.
Do not agree to meet at your home or elsewhere.
3) Before accepting the vehicle for sell ensure you check for proof all the parts of the vehicle are
genuine and actually that of the vehicle.
This is simply done by checking unique security etchings and the chassis number identically match that of what are stated on the vehicles registered documentation.
4) Ensure you check through the vehicles service history and vehicle registration documents, looking carefully to ensure they are not forged or altered.
Selling on a Used Car
By taking a few simple steps you will ensure your safety when considering selling on
your own vehicle privately.
1) Under no circumstance ever allow an interested buyer to self drive your vehicle.
You may be unfortunate in finding they never return.
2) Never leave the potential buyer alone within the vehicle with the keys in the ignition.
3) When test driving the vehicle ensure you keep to well known areas you are fully aware of, never
allow your potential buyer to suggest a set route involving quiet side roads as, this may be a way of tactfully
trying to steal the vehicle.
4) Avoid the acceptance of cheques as payment or bankers draft.
These could easily be fraudulent or counterfeit and, you will find yourself minus the money plus your vehicle. In the circumstance you do accept a cheque or bankers draft ensure you do not part
with the vehicle or ownership papers until such times funds have fully cleared.
Likewise, should you decide to deal with cash only for the transaction ensure the money
passed over is genuine and not forged.
There are very simple steps you can take to ensure that the money is ok, take the potential seller with yourself to the nearest bank or building society and, politely request they check them.
Alternatively, you can personally check all notes yourself looking for correct watermarks, silvery foil implementation perhaps using an ultra violet or natural light.
5) Request the seller produce proof of identification such as their passport, both parts of their driving licence.
Should you still have any doughts, never part with your vehicle contact the police and, politely request them to check.