Car crime is a real problem in the UK. Alarmingly, one car is stolen every ten minutes.(1) With Covid-19 and the recent lockdowns, many people aren’t driving or checking on their cars as much as they used to. At Neighbourhood Watch, we need your help to remind car owners to remain vigilant about where and how they park their cars, in order to keep them safe.

John Hayward-Cripps, CEO of Neighbourhood Watch Network, says

“Most car crimes happen because cars are left unlocked.  There is a misconception that some cars are auto-locking and lock themselves if left unattended after a period of time. This isn’t always correct.  Another misconception is that your car is too old and no one will bother stealing it.  This is also incorrect – both new and old cars are at risk. Having a car stolen or broken into is more than simply a hassle, it can impact on people’s livelihoods.  The good news is that there are simple steps everyone can take to help reduce the risk to their car. With only a 46% recovery rate we’re reminding everyone to leave your car locked, lit and empty.”

Remember – Leave your car:

1. Locked (2)   A simple mistake that can prove calamitous: 44% of cars are broken into via an unlocked door. Leave your car locked video.
2. Lit (2) 80% of car crime occurs during the evening or at night. Parking near street lamps or in a busy area can deter thieves. Leave your car lit video.
3. Empty (or with no items on show)  Owners often forget that personal belongings within the car are at as much risk of being stolen as the car itself.   Leave your car empty video.

John Hayward-Cripps continues

“Car thieves are opportunists. Leaving items on a car seat or forgetting to lock your car can act as an invitation for crime. We want to instill the habit of double-checking where and how you’ve parked with our three simple steps: leave it locked, lit and empty.  As a local charity with a trusted voice in the community, we’re asking everyone to proactively support their neighbours and friends by sharing our three steps with three others. By spreading the word, we’re confident we can crack down on car crime which can be deeply distressing and debilitating for its victims.”

How to support our campaign:
LEARN: Visit www.ourwatch.org.uk/protectyourcar for top tips and advice on keeping your vehicle safe.

​​​​​​​FOLLOW: Follow us on our social channels (Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / LinkedIn) to share our messages within your communities. Tag #ProtectYourCar

SHARE: Forward this email to your friends and family, or download this image and share it on WhatsApp with the following message ‘Car crime remains a pressing problem in the UK – alarmingly, one car is stolen every ten minutes. The vast majority of car crimes happen through unlocked cars, parked in badly lit areas and where there are visible items to steal.  Remember these simple steps to keep your car safe… leave it locked, lit and empty.  For more top tops visit www.ourwatch.org.uk/protectyourcar

For more information, including requests for a press release or campaign pack, please contact our Senior Communications and Digital Manager Deborah Waller on Deborah.waller@ourwatch.org.uk

Data sourced from:
(1)  ITV: ITV, 2020
(2)  ONS data:  https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/crimeandjustice/datasets/crimeinenglandandwalesappendixtables
(3)  OPAL and Police National Computer: https://www.npcc.police.uk/NationalPolicing/OPALNationalIntelligenceUnitforSeriousOrganisedAcq.aspx

Neighbourhood Watch Network (the national umbrella charity for Neighbourhood Watches across England and Wales)
Protect your Car campaign