Many thieves are opportunists who look for an easy target. By making sure that you always lock your vehicle whenever you leave it unattended and follow some other simple steps you can reduce the possibility of becoming another statistic. Here are our top tips:

1. Always lock all doors and windows

It’s so simple, but you would be surprised how many people don’t do this. Even if you are just quickly popping into a shop, always ensure your vehicle is locked properly (doors and windows). Most insurance companies will not cover thefts if the vehicle was insecure. Most importantly - never ever leave your keys in the ignition! It only takes seconds for a thief to strike, so make sure you aren’t inviting them into your vehicle.

If your vehicle has an alarm or immobiliser, then remember to use it. If not, have one fitted or use an anti-theft device such as a steering wheel lock.

2. Keep your items out of view

A lot of thieves will break into a vehicle because they can see what they want to steal - so hide your belongings out of sight, and remove items from your vehicle whenever you leave it unattended. Even the smallest of items, such as loose change, a shopping bag peaking out from underneath a seat, or a coat left on the back seat can tempt a thief. If you have to leave something in your car, then leave it in your boot where it can’t be seen.

An anti-theft device can also be fitted to audio equipment. If your stereo is fitted with a ’face-off’ then this should also be removed from the vehicle.

And remember never store your vehicle’s documents in the vehicle.

3. Remove traces of your sat nav

Satellite navigation devices are popular with motorists and equally as popular with thieves...

When you are parking your vehicle somewhere, put your sat nav and its holder somewhere safe and out of sight. Don’t put them in your glove compartment as that is the first place that a thief will look! Ideally take them with you.

The sat nav holder leaves sucker marks on your windscreen or dashboard - this is a tell tale sign that you have a sat nav and you have probably left it in your vehicle. So when you have finished using your sat nav, wipe away those marks with a cloth or wet wipe.

Mark your sat nav equipment with your postcode and house number or your vehicle registration number, using special security markers.

Make a note of the make, model and serial number of the equipment and keep the note somewhere safe - not in your vehicle.

4. Keep your car keys safe

Always keep your car keys in a safe place, for example in a secure pocket inside your hand bag. When you get home, put your car keys in safe place here as well, out of sight and away from doors and windows. There have been instances of homes being broken into, and thieves making off with cars as well after easily finding the car keys inside the house.

5. Protect the outside of your vehicle as well

As well as protecting your vehicle from being broken into, there are also steps that you can take to protect the outside of your vehicle as well...

Tuck your wing mirrors in - some newer vehicles will automatically do this. But if not, bend yours in. This prevents them from being accidentally clipped by another passing vehicle, or being deliberately kicked off by vandals.

Park your vehicle off the road on your drive if you have one, or better still in your garage. If you don’t then try to park your vehicle in a busy area, preferably one that is well lit and open.

Secure your wheels using locking wheel nuts.

Consider fitting anti-tamper screws to your number plate.