Transport, travel and motoring

Reduce the risk of your vehicle being stolen by following these theft reduction tips.

Protect your keys

• Never leave your car unattended with the key in the ignition. Many cars are stolen from petrol stations, corner stores and driveways where the owner has left the car, with key in the ignition, sometimes for even less than a minute.
• Don’t leave keys lying around on tables, desks or key hooks. If a thief can see your unattended keys, it is likely that he or she can figure out how to get hold of them.
• Never hide a second set of keys anywhere on your car, thieves know where to look!

Park wisely

• Use off-street parking if you have it. Park your vehicle behind lockable gates or in a locked garage. Parking on the street increases the risk of theft considerably.
• At night, park in a well lit area. Opportunists often look for unsecured cars to get them around or home from a night out.
• Use secure parking facilities where they are available.
• In car parks where you must leave the keys (valet), ask the operator how the keys will be secured.

Remove temptation

• When leaving your vehicle unattended, secure the vehicle closing bags, CDs or other valuables in sight in your unattended vehicle.
• If you need to leave valuables in your car, hide them.

Secure your vehicle

• Steering locks can provide a visual deterrent.
• For maximum protection, an engine immobiliser provides the most effective deterrent to vehicle theft. Quality immobilisers that meet Australian standards are available, installed, for under $200. Go to the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council website for more information.

For more information go to the SA Police website.

See also… 

Reporting a stolen vehicle