Locked or not, your car is ready game

By AINSLEY THOMSON

More cars are being stolen and quickly because it takes an expert just 60 seconds to take an unprotected vehicle, according to those in the know.

Police statistics released this week show car thefts rose 15 per cent in the Auckland district this year, and 6 per cent nationally.

A total of 6318 cars were reported stolen in Auckland, and 37,819 nationwide. Just 21 per cent of the thefts were resolved by police.

The rise in thefts, which followed a 21 per cent fall in the previous year, has renewed public concerns about keeping cars safe.

Car owners who fit a good security device are less likely to have their vehicles stolen, but those who think they are safe because they drive an old bomb are mistaken.

The Australian Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council advises that the majority of vehicles stolen are over 10 years old. Thieves target them because they are easier to steal.

The most basic level of car security is to lock the doors and put up the windows. It is free, but not very effective.

The next step is to use a device like a steering wheel lock. This will not slow thieves for long, but it may put them off trying to steal the vehicle.

Then there are car alarms. These are designed to draw attention to the car, alert the owner and to scare off thieves.

Finally, there are systems that immobilise the car, preventing the thief from driving it away, which Insurance Council chief executive Chris Ryan says are the most effective option.

Reformed criminal Dan Dudson, who now works as a security consultant, agrees.

"There are some which are pretty near impossible to beat, they are basically burglar proof," he said.

Ron Campbell, managing director of vehicle security firm Dynatron, said he would always recommend an immobilisation security system, rather then an alarm.

Immobilisation units offer a much higher degree of security and have a good success rate.

He cites what has happened in Western Australia, where, since July 1999, it has been compulsory to fit an approved immobiliser when a vehicle changes hands, a move that has seen car thefts fall 41 per cent.

Mr Ryan said the cost of these systems was beyond many people.

He recommends at least investing in a steering wheel lock as these are clearly visible and put thieves off.

Stopping thieves

* Car thieves and joy riders are usually opportunists and a vehicle that is visibly protected will deter most.

* Check that windows, sunroofs, car boot and doors are locked whenever you leave the car.

* Remove valuables - or lock them out of sight - before you arrive at your destination. * Never leave credit cards or other identifying information in your vehicle - thieves can easily find out where you live and break into your home.

* Protect wheels - especially expensive alloy wheels - by fitting wheel locks - and have the vehicle registration number etched on to the car windows for added security.

* To help prevent illegal towing, park with your wheels turned towards the kerb or to one side in drives and car parks.

* Drop a business card or other form of identification into the door frame (between the door and window).