The vehicle part retailer LKQ Euro Car Parts has revealed the best accessories to deter thieves from breaking in and stealing cars.
According to the company, over 100,000 vehicles were stolen in England and Wales during 2022, with an increasing number of cars going missing due to modern hacking technology.
To help prevent this, LKQ Euro Car Parts advised drivers to protect their key fob, particularly if they own a car that features keyless entry.
The best way to do this is by putting the key into a signal blocking wallet or key box which will block the signal from reaching the car when drivers are away.
In addition, any spare keys for the vehicle should be stored in a secure location at home, such as a safe or locked box.
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Another way drivers can protect their car is by fitting it with a GPS tracker, which would quickly and precisely locate the vehicle if it is stolen.
Whilst GPS trackers were once bulky and expensive luxuries, today they can be purchased for very little money and can be fitted to a subtle location or quickly removed and added to other items such as luggage or keys.
LKQ Euro Car Parts also recommended that drivers get parts of their vehicle, such as the windows, etched with their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which is typically found under the bonnet.
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With many stolen cars being dismantled for parts which can be sold for profit, a thief will be less likely to steal a vehicle with parts that feature the original VIN.
The company also noted that, whilst an old-fashioned method, steering wheel locks and wheel clamps are still useful as a deterrent as they require more work to remove, increasing the time that they could be spotted stealing the car.
The locks and clamps vary in design but are still easily found in motoring accessory shops and are often available at low prices.
Finally, drivers should also try to park their car in a safe location, such as a garage or a secure car park that has plenty of CCTV cameras to deter thieves.
However, if neither place is available, LKQ Euro Car Parts suggested that motorists should park underneath a streetlight which may help to expose a thief trying to break into the vehicle.
Wherever they park, LKQ Euro Car Parks also highlighted the importance of hiding any valuables such as sat navs, cameras and spare change.
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