Car theft prevention
Most of us use our cars every day – whether it is for work, social or leisure activities, or taking the kids to school. Can you imagine if your car was stolen or broken into? It is stressful, inconvenient and costly – but often preventable.
Stolen cars are often involved in road accidents or used to commit more serious crimes. While many are recovered, they may be found with significant and costly damage.
A large proportion of car theft is opportunistic and preventable. Take precautionary measures to reduce your chances of becoming a victim of car theft.
Did you know that 7 in 10 cars are stolen with their own keys? Many of these thefts occur when a home is broken into and the car keys have been left in plain sight.
Don't make it easy for thieves. Follow these simple steps to secure your home and car:
- Keep your keys out of sight
- Lock all the doors and windows to your home and car and check everyone in the household is doing the same
- Never leave items of value visible
- Never hide keys on your car – thieves know where to look
- Never leave your car running unattended
- Never leave keys in your car or in the ignition
- Place your car keys in a secure location, when out and at home
- If your car is keyless entry, review your car manuals as to whether there are additional steps to protect your car or consider a remote immobiliser
- Protect your tools by locking your toolbox
- Install anti-theft screws to your number plate – a type of screw which can only be removed with a specially designed tool made available to police officers only
Watch the video from Neighbourhood Watch Australasia for more tips to secure your personal belongings and car when out and about.
Let's work together to prevent car theft
- To report a crime happening now call Triple Zero 000
- If you notice any suspicious activity report it by contacting:
Bike theft prevention
Bicycles are stolen every day around Australia. Many of these bikes are found by police, but returning a bike to its owner is difficult if bikes are not marked and the owner cannot be identified.
A lot of bicycle theft results from owners not locking their bikes properly or leaving them in places where they are easy to steal.
You can reduce the risk of having your bike stolen:
- Always lock your bike using a durable security lock.
- Lock the frame to a fixed object that can't be broken or moved, even at home.
- Secure your bike in a busy, well-lit area where it can be easily seen, like in a Council bike shed.
- Secure any valuable components and accessories.
- Record serial numbers, make, model and colour.
- Engrave your bike. Your local police station has an engraving tool for loan and can help you work out your personal code and register the code in their property tracing database. For more details contact your local police station.
- Photograph the bike and consider insurance.
- Download a Bicycle Identification Card from the Neighbourhood Watch website to record your bike's details and keep it in a safe place.
For information on riding your bike safely on the Gold Coast visit our Bike riding page.