Car crime

Every year in the UK, more than a million car crime offences occur each year. Here's what you can do to protect yourself and your motor.

Safety drive

• Don't leave valuables visible: Even stuff that doesn't seem worth hiding, like a jumper or a pack of ciggies, could earn you a smashed quarter light.
• Keep an eye on your keys: If a thief nicks them, he won't have to make a mess of the car in order to drive it away. So treat your car key like a sex toy - something you really don't want to leave unattended in case the wrong person spots it.
• Fit an alarm, steering lock and/or immobiliser: It might cost you a few pennies, but if it saves you from losing your car that's money well spent. Recent research suggests that an immobiliser (device that allows you to disable the engine) is fast becoming the number one thief deterrent.
• Etch your windows: Car windows displaying your registration number will deter any thief who planned to nick the motor and switch plates. It's money well spent, but DIY kits are available if you want to keep things seriously cheap.
• Avoid parking in unlit areas at night: Good for your car and also your personal safety.
• Be carjacker aware: Sadly, this kind of crime is on the rise - an offence in which someone attempts to rob you/steal your car while you're present in or around the vehicle. It's also associated with secondary crime, such as assault or rape, but you can deter such attacks by simply keeping your doors locked when you drive, as well as closing all windows - particularly in urban areas. If you're stopped at traffic lights, leave enough room to make a quick exit if you find yourself under threat. Also keep your wits about you when loading your car, and if you are confronted by an armed carjacker - don't resist.

If your car is broken into/nicked:

• Shout, swear, then calm down and notify the police: There's no need to dial 999, unless you've just witnessed your motor disappearing down the street - your local police station can handle your call.
• Be prepared to give as much detail as you can: That's your name, address, car reg, make, description, method of entry. The more info you can supply, the better the chances of getting your motor back. The police will also give you a crime reference number - which is useful should you need to speak to them again, or make an insurance claim (see below).
• Ask around: Did your neighbours see anything that might prove useful to the police?
• Notify your insurers: If the car's been nicked they'll need to know - if only so you're covered should the car be involved in an accident. Many people choose not to put in a claim if the car's still there but a few tapes have gone - not because they're embarrassed about outing themselves as Westlife fans but because the compensation may not be worth the potential increase in premiums.

Police action

Being a crime victim understandably means a lot to you, but the police won't down tools and set up a special investigation because some toe-rag left your motor up on bricks. Action will always be taken, however, and details of the incident placed on the Police National Computer - a nationwide database used by all forces. An officer will keep you posted on any progress or charge, and you are entitled to make an enquiry yourself to find out what's going on.

If your car is found

You insurers should cover any necessary repairs, but check terms and conditions as some policies may be void if the vehicle is not recovered after a certain period of time (i.e. 30 days). If your car is not found, be prepared to submit your registration form, purchase receipt and service records with any claim made.