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Crime
The
Statistics Don't Lie
More
than a quarter of all recorded crimes are car thefts or thefts from
cars, such as stereos and mobile phones. If your car is stolen or broken
into, it could mean weeks of expensive inconvenience and the loss of
your valuable no claims bonus. Don't become a statistic, protect your
vehicle and turn the tide against car crime.
- Don't leave any
belongings in your car. A thief wont know that a bag or coat doesn't
contain something valuable and might break a window to get at it. If
you can't take them with you, never leave things on display; lock them
in the boot.
- Make a note of
your stereo serial number and keep it in a safe place. If your stereo
is a removable type, always take it with you.
- Don't leave credit
cards or cheque books in the glove compartment. 1 in 5 stolen cheque
and credit cards are stolen from cars.
- Never leave your
vehicle documents in the car - they could help a thief to sell it.
- Remove the ignition
key and engage the steering lock - even when parking in your own driveway
or garage - and don't forget to lock the garage door.
- Have an alarm system
or immobiliser fitted
- Always try to park
in a well-lit open location.
- Double-check that
all car doors, windows, sunroof and boot are locked before leaving it.
- Always put your
aerial down to stop it being vandalised.
Vehicle
crime statistics published by the Home Office for the year April 1997
to March 1998 show:
-
24%
of all reported crime relates to vehicle crime
-
Cost
to the insurance industry is in excess of £500 million per annum
-
In
1993 car crime was at its peak and costing the industry in excess
of £600m
- 73% increase
over the last 10 years
- Over 46% of Commercial
Fleets affected
- Estimated cost
to the insurance Industry £1.6 Billion
Incidence
of Vehicle Related Crime in England and Wales
-
1991
= 1,495,177 = +17.98%
-
1992
= 1,549,196 = + 3.61%
-
1993
= 1,523,338 = - 1.67%
-
1994
= 1,384,429 = - 9.12%
-
1995
= 1,321,544 = - 4.54%
-
1996
= 1,293,041 = - 2.16%
-
1997
= 1,117,572 = -13.57%
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