• Always ensure all your car doors are locked and your windows up fully before ever leaving your car alone, even for a brief period such as running in to buy something from the grocery store.

  • Never leave your keys in the car and never hide a second set anywhere on or around the vehicle. Thieves know all the places to look for keys and you're making it very easy for them if you do.

  • Always park in secured and gated areas where ever possible, essentially keeping people away from your car in the first place.

  • When parking in a non-secure environment at night, always find a well lit area where the vehicle is in plain sight of as many people as possible.

  • Never leave anything of value in plain view, even in a locked car. If you do have something of value with you, hide it under the seat if it is small, or in the trunk.

  • Fit anti-theft devices to your vehicle. There are many to choose from and each ranges in price and effectiveness at theft prevention. Consider car alarms, steering locks, kill switches and one of the most effective types for car theft prevention - Immobilizers.

  • Be wary of your environment and analyze each situation before taking any action. Examples include when you are in a minor accident, when you see a hitchhiker (always avoid), if there are suspicious people around when parking. It is always better to be safe than sorry.

  • When selling your car, always meet the person in a public place with many people, not at your home. Never entrust anyone to take the car for a test drive by themselves without an escort.

  • If you leave your key with a parking valet or attendant, leave only the car key itself. Also ensure there are no vehicle ownership documents or other paperwork with your personal details on them, including address, in the car.