Zurich Connect supports the Home Office's vehicle crime prevention initiative and is committed to giving our car insurance customers the latest information on car security tips and advice.
The UK government's Secure Your Motor Campaign, which provides motorists with clear advice on how to protect their cars from theft and break in, has contributed significantly to the falling crime rates in England and Wales.
The message is clear: as the majority of car theft is the work of opportunist thieves, there is much that motorists can do to ensure they don't let their vehicles fall into the wrong hands.
Car theft - the facts
According to latest figures issued by the Home Office, car-related crimes accounted for 13% of all recorded crime in England and Wales in 2007-08, with the number of vehicle thefts totalling almost 1.5 million.
However, the good news for motorists is that vehicle crime (malicious damage and theft) is steadily declining. Crime rates in England and Wales have reduced by more than 66% since 1995, and the number of reported incidents fell by 11% in 2007-08 over the previous year alone.
(Source: Crime in England and Wales 2007-08).
As lower crimes rates ultimately spell lower premiums, it's in everyone's interest to beat the burglars at their own game. Working together to share information and advice, the police, insurance companies and UK motorists can ensure the car theft continues to fall.
Secure Your Motor Campaign
The Home Office Vehicle Crime Reduction campaign website features comprehensive information, including advice on car security systems, safe parking, protecting your personal possessions and etching your vehicle identification number onto car surfaces. (see http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/crime-victims/how-you-can-prevent-crime/stop-vehicle-crime/).
Some of the crime prevention measures recommended might seem simple common sense - but ask yourself the question: are you doing all you can to keep the burglars at bay?
Visit http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/crime-victims/reducing-crime/vehicle-crime/ for full details.
The Car Theft Index
It goes without saying that some cars are more desirable to thieves than others. The Home Office vehicle crime prevention department also publishes an annual Car Theft Index - a list of the makes and models of vehicles most at risk of theft.
Checking to see if your model is on the list will help you make an informed decision about the best car security systems and insurance measures required for your vehicle. See http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/documents/car-theft-index/
Second-hand news
When choosing a car, It is essential to check the history and status of all used vehicles before you part with your cash.
To find out whether the car you would like to buy has been reported stolen, seriously damaged or is still subject to finance, go to the Directgov website at: www.direct.gov.uk and follow the links to Motoring and Buying and Selling a Vehicle.
Secure your car - and lower your premiums
The Home Office reports that installing car security systems - especially an engine immobiliser - makes your vehicle more than ten times safer than a car with no security equipment.
Electronic Engine immobilisers are the most effective way to stop thieves as they prevent the car from starting. However, it is vital to buy this equipment and get it fitted by an installer approved by the Vehicle Systems Installation Board.
For further information, contact Thatcham, the Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre, (0870 550 2006) or Sold Secure (01327 264 687).
Car security alarms, steering wheel and wheel locks also provide effective means of crime prevention.
For information about alarms, immobilisers and other security devices, call the Vehicle Security National Helpline on 0870 5502006.
