Corby Community Safety Partnership

Vehicle Crime

Having your belongings stolen from your car, or worse still the car itself being stolen is annoying. It can also be costly and upsetting.

Belongings being stolen from cars is a particular problem. Nearly half of these thefts happen when cars are parked near people's homes at night. But it's easy to outsmart the criminal - just don't leave anything in your car when you leave it parked, especially at night. Mobile phones, cheque books, even an old coat might tempt someone to smash and grab - just in case it is valuable.

By reducing the temptation, we can reduce the crime

In order to assist us in reducing the risk of vehicle crime - and thereby improving the quality of life in the community - we ask that you take these simple steps:

• Never leave the keys in the ignition and store them out of sight when at home.
• Engage the steering lock and activate the alarm. Close the windows/sunroof, and lock the doors and boot. With remote control central locking, ALWAYS double-check you car is secure by testing the door handle
• Only take what you need on your journey - whenever possible, leave personal and valuable items at home.
• If you must take valuable items with you, keep them out of view and take them with you when you leave the vehicle - even if you think you will only be a minute. It only takes a few seconds to break into a car.
• Sat navs are currently being targeted - keep them out of sight (consider property marking them), remove the cradle and wipe away the sucker mark on the windscreen.
• Remember to remove your stereo fascia - this is the best way to make your stereo unattractive to thieves.
• Even small items like loose change and a packet of cigarettes are an incentive to the opportunist thief.
• Park in busy and well-lit areas, or use a car park that has a "Park Mark" or "Secure By Design" award.
• It's better to store items in the boot at your point of departure, not the point of arrival - you don't know who may be watching.