Smart ways to keep your car safe and secure

Tips for staying one step ahead of car thieves

Car security systems may be getting smarter, but so are the people intent on stealing them. Vehicle theft methods now range from opportunistic break-ins to more sophisticated electronic attacks, including devices designed to exploit keyless entry systems.

The issue has become serious enough that the Crime and Policing Act 2026 has introduced stronger rules around electronic devices used in vehicle theft, including relay attack tools and key emulation devices.

That’s why we’ve pulled together the latest advice to help you reduce the risk of theft or damage to your vehicle.

Let’s start with the basics.

Don’t leave your car unlocked and unattended

Making sure your vehicle is secure whenever you’re not with it is one of the simplest ways to avoid an unexpected theft. It sounds obvious, but it’s an easy mistake to make. You might nip back into the house to grab something you forgot, make a dash to the parking payment station, or leave the keys in the ignition while the windscreen defrosts. But all those scenarios present a golden opportunity to a canny thief.

As well as locking it, don’t forget to check that windows and sunroofs are closed tight. It’s another little oversight a criminal can exploit within seconds.

Official police crime prevention guidance also recommends checking your vehicle is properly locked, especially in busy car parks where thieves may use signal jamming to stop a car from locking properly.

Be careful where you leave your keys

When you’re at home, it can be tempting to leave car keys on a hook near the door, or in a bowl near the window. But if your wheels have attracted attention, then you could be giving would-be thieves an easy in. Hooking keys through the letterbox, or targeting them through a window, is still a risk.

Key theft has also become more sophisticated. A method known as relay theft, keyless theft or a “man in the middle” attack can allow criminals to unlock and start some vehicles without physically taking the key.

Cars with keyless entry are designed to unlock automatically when the key fob is nearby. Thieves can exploit this by using devices to extend or relay the signal from your key, tricking the vehicle into thinking the fob is close to the car. In some cases, this can happen while your keys are inside your house and your car is on the drive.

So, what can you do to reduce the risk?

• Keep your keys, including spare keys, away from doors and windows.
• Consider using a signal-blocking Faraday pouch or box for keyless fobs.
• Test the pouch regularly to make sure it still blocks the signal.
• Check whether your keyless entry can be disabled when not needed.
• Use a visible physical deterrent, such as a steering wheel lock, for an extra layer of protection.

Police and crime prevention guidance continues to recommend Faraday pouches, steering locks and secure key storage as practical ways to reduce the risk of keyless vehicle theft.

Don’t forget, this all applies to your spare set as well. And be sure never to leave keys inside the car itself.

Park smarter

If you’re in a tearing hurry then you might have to park wherever there’s a space, but if you get the time, putting a little thought into where you leave your car can reduce the risk of a break-in or theft.

• Choose well-lit areas when parking at night.
• Avoid tucked-away spots, such as alleys, where someone breaking in is less likely to be noticed.
• Opt for secure or monitored car parks where possible.
• At home, park in a garage if you have one.
• If you park on a driveway, consider security lighting or CCTV.
• Parking on the road? Turn your wheels slightly towards the kerb, as this can make towing theft more difficult.

The aim is simple: make your vehicle harder to access, harder to move and less appealing as a target.

Avoid attracting opportunistic thieves

Your car can be a little bit like a shop window to passers-by, and valuables left on show might tempt someone to take a closer look. Handbags, laptops, wallets and phones should be taken with you when you leave, or hidden away from view to reduce the risk of a smash-and-grab.

It’s also worth hiding charging cables, device mounts and other accessories, as they can suggest that expensive items may be stored inside.

You might think it’s only the big wins thieves are after, but many break-ins are prompted by items as small as loose change or an empty bag. The thief doesn’t know the bag is empty and may decide it’s worth the risk. A clear car interior is the safest option.

The Financial Ombudsman Service also highlights vehicle theft complaints where insurers reject claims because a customer left the key in or around the vehicle, or left the vehicle unattended while unlocked or with the key inside.

Consider a dashcam

Dashcams are often used to provide evidence after accidents, but some models can also help if your vehicle is damaged, targeted or broken into while parked.

If you choose a dashcam, look for features such as parking mode, night vision and cloud storage. Cloud upload can be especially useful because it means footage may still be available even if the camera is stolen or damaged.

A visible dashcam may also act as a deterrent, but it should be treated as one part of your wider security setup rather than a complete solution on its own.

Make the most of your car’s security features

All new cars sold in the UK have been required to have an immobiliser fitted since 1998, and many modern vehicles also come with alarms, tracking technology and connected security features.

That said, factory-fitted technology should not be the only layer of protection you rely on. Criminals often look for the easiest target, so combining built-in security with visible deterrents can make a real difference.

A steering wheel lock is a good example. These old-school immobilisers fell out of favour when car alarms and digital security systems became more common, but they are making a comeback. Low-tech, mechanical solutions can be a thorn in the side of high-tech car criminals who assume your car will be ready to drive once unlocked. They are also immediately visible, making your car less appealing as a target.

Car alarms can also be a useful deterrent. If your car doesn’t have one, getting one installed should be relatively simple for many models. Look for a recognised, independently tested option, such as a Thatcham-approved alarm or security device.

Tracking devices won’t usually stop someone from stealing your vehicle, but they can help the police locate it if the worst happens.

Download digital updates where available

Where your vehicle supports software updates, install them promptly. Some manufacturers use over-the-air updates or mobile app notifications to improve vehicle systems, fix bugs or address security vulnerabilities.

If your vehicle has a connected app, it’s worth checking whether update prompts, security alerts or keyless entry settings are available. Your vehicle handbook or manufacturer’s app should explain which features apply to your model.

Protect yourself financially

In the event that your vehicle is stolen, you’ll want to make sure you can replace it and limit your financial loss. A comprehensive insurance policy is the best place to start, but it’s still important to understand your responsibilities as a vehicle owner.

Your insurer may investigate or decline a claim if they believe you left the vehicle unlocked, unattended, or with the keys in or near it. The Financial Ombudsman Service also highlights vehicle theft complaints where insurers reject claims because a customer left the key in or around the vehicle, or left the vehicle unattended while unlocked or with the key inside.

So, make sure you do the basics: lock your car, keep your keys safe and take reasonable steps to protect your vehicle.

Depending on your insurer and policy, recognised security devices may also be considered when your premium is calculated. Evidence from a dashcam, tracking device or police report could also help support your claim if your vehicle is stolen or damaged.

Your car has been stolen or damaged. What next?

If the worst should happen, here are a few quick steps you should take:

• Contact the police if your car has been stolen.
• Notify your insurer as soon as possible.
• Contact your finance provider if the vehicle is on finance.
• Have details such as your registration, VIN and spare keys stored safely in case they’re required.
• Share any dashcam, CCTV or tracking information that could help with the investigation.

While no security measure can eliminate risk entirely, combining a few sensible precautions can make your vehicle a less attractive target and help give you greater confidence.
 

For more motoring hints and tips, explore our collection of driver guides.  
 

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