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Car Safety

FACTS ABOUT CAR THEFT

• 25% of stolen cars are never recovered or found stripped of their parts.
• 10.5% of car theft victims have their cars stolen more than once.
• One-third of car theft victims do not have comprehensive insurance.
• 60% of cars stolen are over 10 years old
• Car theft is falling in NSW but Theft of personal items from cars has increased!
• Thieves particularly like small items that can easily be taken and/or sold like;
  • Mobile phones
  • CD's
  • Cash
  • Sunglasses
  • Leather jackets
  • Cameras
    

HOW YOU CAN PROTECT YOUR VALUABLES AND YOUR CAR

• Don't leave your valuables lying in your car where they can be seen.
• Take your valuables with you or Lock them in your boot
• Don't leave your address in your car. If thieves break in, don't make it easier for them to then break into your home.
• LOCK YOUR CAR! Many people forget this most basic security measure.
• Be sure your windows are all up.
• Don't leave your keys in the car.
• Record the model/serial number of all valuable items in your car e.g. radios, cassette, CD players, telephones etc.
• When packing groceries into your car, never leave your handbag on the boot or roof of your car. Thieves are watching and can easily grab your property. Always leave your bag locked inside your car when you are packing groceries away or keep it on your shoulder!
• Engrave these items with the prefix NSW to assist police in returning them to you.
• If you're purchasing a new car ensure it has an engine immobiliser.
• If you own an old car, consider having an engine immobiliser installed.
• When parking for extended periods of time, park in security car parks or use car parks which have a boom gate and are well lit
• Don't hide an extra car key in your car
• Mark your car in a secret way like leaving your initials under the bonnet.

REMEMBER: Never leave your keys in the car

ANTI-THEFT DEVICES

These devices make it harder for thieves to steal your car and belongings;

• Use a steering-wheel lock in your car.
• Install an Australian Standard certified alarm.
• Install an Australian Standard engine immobiliser.
• Use transmission or gear lever locks.
• Use a second ignition switch or "kill switch" which isolates the circuit to the coil or distributor. When using this, your car can't be restarted until the hidden switch has been turned off.
• Buy cars with door locks that can't be unlocked by coat hangers, or similar devices.
• Lock your fuel tank cap.
• Use radio or tape deck lock mounts.
• Insurance companies can reduce premiums on cars with anti-theft devices.