Warning of car theft threat over summer as CSO figures reveal rise in vehicle crime

As temperatures rise for the summer, so does the risk of car thefts according to figures from the CSO. 

Insurance experts, Quote Devil, have analysed CSO data to reveal that the number of car thefts and related offences rose by 57% last year.

Whether you have planned a staycation for a few days or a two week long holiday abroad, the car insurance experts have shared their top tips to help you make your vehicle less of a target to potential thieves while you’re away.

Top tips to keep your car secure
Keep your car locked away

If your property has a garage make use of it. Keeping your car out of sight in a secure locked garage can give you peace of mind to enjoy your holiday. Far fewer cars are stolen from garages than from the street.

Make sure you have a car alarm or anti-theft system in place. This is one of the best ways to deter criminals. Make it obvious that you have an alarm by putting the alarm sticker on your window and ensuring the alarm LED is flashing. If getting a car alarm fitted is too costly, you can buy a blinking alarm-style LED for your dashboard to look like you have a working alarm system.  A criminal is less likely to be attracted to a vehicle that appears to have an alarm.

Install CCTV
If possible, install a CCTV camera that directly records your vehicle when parked outside your home. Keeping your car in clear view of CCTV cameras makes your vehicle less of a target. If you park your car outside your house at night, install a motion detector light that will light up if anyone approaches your vehicle. This could help to alert the attention of your neighbours if someone does happen to be trespassing on your property.

Hide valuables 
Never have any valuables on display and make sure your sat-nav is not on view when you are leaving your vehicle. Even items such as coats and bags can be a target for theft. These can attract thieves who might think there is cash in their pockets. According to An Garda Síochána, the most popular items stolen from cars in Ireland are electronics, tools, money and handbags.

Install a GPS Tracker and have an immobiliser fitted on your car
Thieves are less likely to steal your vehicle if they know it can be traced and recovered quickly. It is also good to note that many insurers will offer a discount on your policy if you have either a GPS tracker or an immobiliser in place.

Lock up cables for electric vehicles 
The number of electric car owners in Ireland is increasing, with the CSO reporting that in the first three months of 2023, 16% of all new cars licensed for the first time were electric compared with 13% in the same period in 2022.

Make sure to avoid leaving your car charging cable out in the open to prevent possible theft. Criminals are targeting electric vehicle charging cables to sell the copper inside them. Lock cables away safely in a garage or in your home to avoid being a target, new cables can often cost up to €700 to replace.

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