Hundreds of thousands of Brits are jetting off this summer in search of sun, sea and sand. A well-earned holiday is what most families look forward to most, counting down all year round in anticipation. However, homeowners and car owners can have security concerns when they travel, and these worries can threaten to ruin the holiday. Opportunistic thieves can do research to find out who is away from home and when – and there’s nothing worse than returning to the UK to find out you don’t have a car anymore.
While there is no way to ensure that your vehicle or property won’t be targeted while you’re on your summer holidays, there are a number of precautions you can take. Read these tips for protecting your car while you’re away.
Remove everything
Now is the time to empty the whole content of the car into the house. The prospect of valuables, whether they can be seen on the backseat or not, can attract car thieves. Don’t leave your sat nav or other expensive equipment in the dashboard. This means you should also full empty the boot of the car or van, especially if you have expensive kit in there. Think of it as an opportunity to have a clear out, too!
Park your car at a relative’s
If you’ll rest easier knowing someone has an eye on your car, ask if you can park it outside the home of a loved one. (Better still, in a garage). This can be a family member, a friend or even a neighbour nearby, but make sure they will be at home for the full time you’re on holiday.
Give someone the keys
Criminals are very clever and can be watching a street for weeks before they pounce. If your home looks empty and there’s a car outside which hasn’t moved for days, they generally know it’s a safe steal. Trick them by asking a neighbour or a friend to move your car every day, so it is parked in a different way. This will hopefully deter any burglars with their eye on your vehicle.
Anti-theft devices
Before you go, check the alarm on your car is working correctly. You should also let neighbours know you’ll be away, so if they do hear an alarm they check the situation right away. You can also use some extra anti-theft devices, such as a steering wheel lock or wheel clamp to keep your car from being moved at all.
Follow these tips and you should be able to relax and enjoy your holiday, without worrying about what’s going on at home.