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Who steals cars?

As a general rule, the profile of a car thief can be divided into two distinct categories: the opportunist and the professional.

An opportunist car thief sees your car as a means of transport (a joy-rider), a chance to thrash someone else's car around in a reckless and often dangerous manner, or simply as an easy target. Cars stolen by an opportunist are often recovered badly damaged.

The professional car thief wants your car for profit. The car may be stripped and the parts taken, or its identity changed so it can be illegally sold.

Your stolen car may even be used in another crime, such as a ram-raid.

Installing an immobiliser has prevented thousands of cars being stolen.

Ways to reduce the chances of your car being stolen

There are proven strategies you can adopt that significantly reduce your chances of becoming a victim.

• Installing an immobiliser has prevented thousands of cars being stolen.
• Park your car off the street, preferably in your yard or in a locked garage.
• If you need to park on the street at night, ensure you park in a well lit area.
• Have the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) etched onto all major windows.

What to do if your car is stolen

1. You need to report the crime to the police immediately.
   

Tell police the registration number, make, model, colour of the vehicle, and where the vehicle was stolen. Notify your insurance company immediately.

A few more tips for making your car safe

• It is an offence to leave your keys in the ignition. Don't do it.
• Always close all windows and lock all doors before leaving your car.
• Don't leave valuable items in your car to entice a thief.
• Remove cheque books, credit cards, driver's license and registration papers from your glove box, as a thief could use these.
• Spare keys should never be hidden in or on a vehicle. This is like leaving your front door key under the front door mat. Instead, keep a spare key in your wallet or purse.
• Keep all doors locked while driving.
• Check the rear seat area before getting into your car.

How to reduce the chances of your car being stolen

It takes a competent car thief less than one minute to steal your car. It takes an incompetent car thief not much longer. Install an immobiliser