Vehicle theft prevention tips
Safeguard your keys – they are worth as much as the value of your car:
- Always store car keys out of view and away from external doors and windows.
- Thieves mostly target the master bedroom first, followed by the living room and home office.
- If the car is at home but you are out make sure you have all the keys with you.
- When you are out, don’t leave keys unattended in bags, lockers or the like.
- Don’t tag your keys with your name or address – use a mobile phone number or driver licence number instead.
- If your home has been broken into and your keys are stolen, change the cylinders in the locks or fit additional locks.
- Never leave a spare set of house or car keys in your car.
- Be a good neighbour. If you notice any suspicious activity report it immediately to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Police on 131 444.
- Visit www.carsafe.com.au for more information
Enhance your home’s security – a secure home means a secure car:
- Keep trees and shrubs well-trimmed in order to provide a clear line of sight to the street and reduce potential hiding places.
- Ideally front fences should allow clear visibility to the front door and any windows.
- Fit quality key-operated lock sets to windows.
- Lock doors and windows when gardening or working outside or in an isolated part of the house.
- Keep your garage locked to restrict unauthorised access.
- Motion activated external security lighting can deter intruders.
- Consider installing a home alarm system
- Plan and discuss with your family or housemates what to do in the event that you or they encounter an intruder entering or already in your home.
- Download a free security assessment guide from: www.carsecuritybeginsathome.com and conduct an audit of your home’s security.
Information and safety tips provided by Car Safe - National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council.
Operation Bounce Back: An initiative of the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council