Careless motorists lead thieves into temptation

More than a third of the population leave personal items in their cars - often on show - tempting thieves to grab easy loot, an AA Insurance survey has found.

"Thieves will always go for the easiest, fastest option. If you leave valuable possessions visible in your car you're really just laying bait for thieves," AA Insurance deputy general manager Martin Fox said yesterday.

Popular items being stolen were Navmans and global positioning systems.

"With prices ranging from $500 to $1200, that's good resale value for thieves.

"If your GPS system has a removable cradle or charger, then hide it or take it with you when you leave the car, because seeing the charger or cradle advertises the presence of a GPS unit to the thief," Mr Fox said.

"Also, lock your boot even when you're driving. Recently one of our customers had her boot opened while she was waiting at a red light and the thief took off with $5000 worth of gym gear and accessories."

Theft from cars was the second most recorded offence in the country, according to police figures. There were on average more than 50,000 thefts from cars a year, accounting for almost 12 per cent of total recorded crime in New Zealand.

Sixty-six per cent of these occurred when the car was parked in a public road or public place, and only one in five vehicles broken into on private property was locked.

Mr Fox said people were regularly carrying thousands of dollars worth of gear with them, such as phones, sunglasses, jewellery, audio equipment and laptop computers.

AA Insurance has released tips on how to keep possessions safe in cars:

* Don't display your belongings.

* When your car is parked, lock it - even if it's in your home garage, or parked on your street - this includes the boot and, if you have one, the sunroof.

* Keep valuables (eg wallet, mobile, iPods) on you - not in the glovebox or under a seat.

* Keep bags, gym gear and coats locked and out of sight in the boot.

* Park in busy, open, well-lit areas - use an attended, secure parking building if you can.

* Take the detachable faceplate of your stereo with you - without this the stereo is worthless.

* Remove cradles and chargers for navigation systems and cellphones from your dashboard.

* Keep your vehicle keys with you and spare keys at home or work - don't hide a spare key in the car as thieves will find it.

* Tell your neighbours if your vehicle has been broken into at your home - thieves often target vehicles in the same street.

* Consider installing additional security to your car such as an alarm, immobiliser or removable stereo.

- NZPA