The Complete Guide to Car Security

With vehicle crime at some points in time having accounted for more than a quarter of all recorded crime in the UK, it’s clear that relying solely on your car’s factory-fitted protection isn’t always enough. 

Thankfully, vehicle-related theft has now been reduced to a relatively low proportion of the overall crime rate in the UK (around 6.3%), but this is largely due to improvements in vehicle security measures & owner vigilance, not due to the improved mood of thieves. 

So, regardless of whether you have all the bells and whistles of modern electric vehicle security (i.e. lots of cameras) or whether you’re relying on the age-old knock sensors for an alarm, taking a few proactive steps can dramatically reduce your risk of becoming a target. 

Let’s look at the most effective ways to safeguard your vehicle. We’ll cover everything from simple habits that cost nothing to professional security upgrades.

Start with the basics: always lock up

It may sound obvious, but the easiest way for thieves to get hold of a vehicle is through an unlocked door. Even if you’re stepping away for only a few seconds (such as paying at a petrol station, grabbing something from your house, or de-icing your windscreen), make sure your car is locked, and the windows are fully closed. 

• Most modern cars give clear confirmation when they lock, such as a heavy click or a brief indicator flash. If yours does, get into the habit of looking or listening for these signals. 
• If you use a physical key, double-check by pulling the handle to ensure the lock has engaged. 
• Leaving the engine running while you’re away is also a major risk – not only does it make theft effortless, but it can invalidate your insurance and result in a fine under the Highway Code. 

Always switch off and lock up, even on your own driveway.

Keep keys secure both inside and outside the car

How you handle your car keys has become a big part of modern vehicle security. Keyless entry systems in particular are vulnerable to “relay attacks”, where thieves amplify your key’s wireless signal to unlock and even start your car from outside your home. To stop this:

Keep your keys away from doors and windows

Not only is it easier to smash the glass and take a key, but it’s easier to perform a relay attack because there’s less mass to block the key’s signal.

Use a Faraday pouch

These work by encasing the key in a metal cage (usually made of a flexible metal like wire), and this has the effect of disrupting wireless signals so much as to effectively block them. Interestingly, the Faraday Effect is also why it’s safer to stay in your car during a lightning storm. 

As a budget alternative to a dedicated Faraday pouch, a sealed metal tin can (like an old Celebrations tin) can offer temporary protection.

Don't leave your keys on a table

Additionally, avoid placing keys on tables when you’re out in restaurants or pubs. It’s easier for a thief to target the keys if they’re already on display. Instead, keep them in a zipped pocket or bag so they’re always within reach.

Hide or remove valuables from your car

Leaving valuables in plain sight (such as phones, wallets, bags, laptops, or even the charging cables that hint you might have a device hidden elsewhere) makes your car an easy target. 

If you must leave something behind, store it out of sight in the glovebox or boot (ensuring the boot cover is extended). Don’t try hiding items under seats or jackets because these are the first places thieves look. It can also be a good idea to remove sat navs and their holders, and wipe the suction marks off the windscreen. 

Essentially, the less temptation for profit, the lower the risk of a break-in.

Choose your parking spot wisely

While this might seem obvious to some, it’s something that others rarely think about. But where you park can be just as important as how you secure your car.

Safe parking spots at home

Parking in a locked garage is best, followed by parking on a well-lit driveway. Up the street or in dark, isolated spots increases risk. Whenever possible, position your car where you or your neighbours can see it easily.

Safe parking spots while out

Look for car parks with CCTV, attendants, or ticketed barriers. Avoid isolated spaces – parking near other vehicles creates natural surveillance. If parking on the street, aim for well-lit areas under streetlamps.

Parking somewhere sensible is really an extension of removing valuables from your car. A thief takes a risk every time they attempt to steal, so if they feel like a dark spot gives them more time to do so unseen, then your car is significantly more at risk.

Install a tracking device

Tracking devices have become one of the most effective ways to recover stolen cars. Using GPS, they allow you to monitor your car’s real-time location through an app, and many can send automatic alerts if unusual movement is detected. Some premium models even notify the police directly. 

Although tracking systems usually require a subscription, they’re often worth the cost – especially for high-value cars, vans, or models commonly targeted by thieves.

Upgrade your alarm system

Older vehicles may lack alarms entirely, and some factory systems are easily bypassed. In these instances, a modern aftermarket alarm can make a huge difference. These alarms sound continuously until the vehicle is started or unlocked, drawing immediate attention and, ultimately, drastically reducing the thief’s window of opportunity. 

If you’re unsure about the condition of your alarm system, consider having it inspected or upgraded.

Strengthen physical barriers

While modern security technology is useful, old-fashioned physical deterrents still work exceptionally well because you usually need to make a lot of noise to get past them.

Steering wheel locks

A visible steering lock shows thieves you’ve actually taken extra precautions. Combined with a strong metal construction that stops the wheel from turning, they make driving off in a hurry virtually impossible.

Wheel clamps

A sturdy wheel clamp is particularly effective if you plan to leave your car for longer periods. High-quality clamps resist cutting tools and prevent the car from being driven or easily towed. For extra protection, clamp a rear wheel and park your car nose-to-wall – this makes towing extremely difficult.

Aftermarket locks for vans and older cars

Vans are a frequent target due to the often valuable equipment stored inside. Reinforced deadlocks or slamlocks help prevent thieves from prying open weak factory doors. These upgrades also benefit older cars whose original locks may be worn or outdated.

Consider installing a kill switch

A kill switch is a hidden switch that interrupts a crucial part of the ignition system (such as the fuel pump or battery) and therefore prevents the engine from starting, even if a thief has the key. 

Professionally installed kill switches are inexpensive and highly effective, especially for older vehicles without strong electronic theft protection. What’s crucial here is concealment; if the thief can’t find it, they can’t start the car. So be sure to avoid installing the killswitch in a place that’s recommended on a tutorial and instead install it somewhere only you know.

Protect against wheel & catalytic converter theft

Wheels and catalytic converters are often targeted by opportunistic thieves.

Locking wheel nuts

If you have alloy wheels, locking wheel nuts are essential. They can only be removed with a specific key unique to your set, making wheel theft far harder. Just be sure to store the key safely so it’s available during tyre changes or brake work.

Catalytic converter marking

Catalytic converter theft has surged due to the valuable metals inside. Marking your catalytic converter with a unique serial number (often done for free at local police events) helps police identify stolen parts and acts as a strong deterrent to thieves looking for untraceable components.

Add dash cams with security features

Many modern dash cams now have “parking mode” features that activate when motion or impact is detected. Some models include multiple lenses covering the sides and rear of the car, providing vital evidence in the event of attempted theft or damage. 

When combined with visible deterrents like steering locks or alarms, dash cams can make thieves think twice about approaching your vehicle.

Etch your VIN to protect valuable parts

VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) etching involves marking your car’s windows with its unique identification code. Since thieves often steal cars to dismantle them for parts, VIN-marked windows are a problem – they can’t be sold on easily. 

By reducing the resale value of stolen components, VIN etching makes your vehicle far less attractive to criminals.

Ultimately, layered security key

No single device or habit can make a vehicle completely theft-proof. But layered security (combining smart habits, physical barriers, tracking technology, and careful parking) dramatically increases your protection. 

Really, the goal is simple: make your car a difficult, noisy, time-consuming target. Thieves look for easy wins, and taking these steps ensures your vehicle isn’t one of them. 

If you ever need advice on security measures, or ever need vehicle servicing and repairs, get in touch with the experts at your local Kwik Fit centre – we’re always on hand to make sure your car stays on the road safely & securely.