Most vehicle crime is preventable. It can take as little as 10 seconds for a thief to steal something from your car.
Never leave valuable items in your car, including loose change, clothing and your sat nav. Do you really need all those things you keep in the glove box?
- wipe away the sat nav mark on your windscreen
- never leave your car keys where they can be seen from the front door
- when parking at home, always use your garage if you have one and lock both your vehicle and your garage. If you don't have a garage, try to park in a well-lit, open place
- tuck in wing mirrors and put the aerial down to discourage vandals
- mark cash valuable items with your postcode and house number or your vehicle registration number. Please visit the North Yorkshire Police website for information on dot peen property marking.
Further information on vehicle safety can be found by visiting the North Yorkshire Police website and the Crimestoppers website.
A member of the Master Locksmiths Association can also help with vehicle keys and locks - please visit Master Locksmiths Association website for more details.
You can protect yourself from becoming a victim of cycle theft by following some simple steps.
- get a good bike lock, remember the lock represents the value of the bike
- lock your bike to something secure, for example, a bike rack or a lamppost. Always lock your bike, even if you are only leaving it for a couple of minutes
- lock up removable parts (for example, wheels) and take light fittings with you
- have your bike's frame security-marked or engraved. Please visit the North Yorkshire Police website for information on dot peen property marking
- visit www.immobilise.com to record and register your bike
- take a clear colour photograph of your bike and make a written record of its description, including any unique features
- keep your bike in a secure garage or shed and keep the door locked
- keep the bike out of public view
- avoid isolated places - don't leave your bike where a potential thief could easily steal it
Further information on get smart cycle security can be found on the North Yorkshire Police website.