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Although the general trend for vehicle-related theft is falling in the UK, there were still over 649,000 incidents reported between 2024-25.
Keyless cars are particularly at risk, being twice as likely to be stolen, and van theft is on the rise, too.
So, it probably comes as no surprise that over half the vehicles stolen, are taken at night. It’s easier to slip away under the cover of darkness than steal a car in broad daylight, after all.
But this makes winter a particularly tricky time to keep your car secure, with shorter days and low light giving opportunists the chance to break into or even steal your car.
We’ll show you how you can secure your vehicle properly during the winter months, to give it the best chance of staying safe, wherever you park it.
Keep your car safe on dark nights
Most thieves are opportunists. They want to get in and away as quickly as possible. So, your best line of defence is to deter any would-be thieves and make stealing your car too risky. Here’s how:
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Always try to park in busy, well‐lit, open locations. If you can find a secure, supervised car park, even better. If you can find a Park Mark-accredited car park near you, even better.
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When you're at home, park in the garage if you have one, or on your driveway. Remember, the riskier it is to take your car, the less appealing it will be to a thief.
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Try to not leave personal items in your car for any amount of time, but especially overnight. If you have to leave something, remove it from view and lock it in the boot or glovebox. A thief will break a window to grab handbags, jackets, phones, sat navs, dashcams or shopping bags.
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Never leave your phone, wallet, or purse in the car. That includes the glovebox or boot. Always take them with you to be safe.
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Consider fitting an anti‐theft tracking device. These will alert you that your vehicle has been moved or stolen within minutes and can help police to find it.
How to prevent your keyless car from being stolen
Keyless car theft (relay attack) is one of the most common methods used by thieves. It works by tricking your car into thinking you’re nearby and enables opportunists to gain entry and start the engine. Even if your keys are inside your house, thieves can access the signal and take your car while you sleep.
If you have a keyless car, consider getting a Faraday pouch or box to block the key signal.
Another option for keyless cars is a ‘sleeping fob’, which uses motion-sensor technology. If your vehicle has a motion-sensor fob (which may need to be manually activated), it will enter ‘sleep mode’ when it’s not in use (between 1-30 minutes). When it’s asleep, it stops transmitting signals, making it harder to steal your car using relay attack devices.
Simple car security tips
Electronic security systems offer some peace of mind. But, as professional car thieves become better at cracking them, it might be a good idea to use an old-fashioned steering wheel lock, too. Not only are they a visual deterrent, but they'll slow thieves down, making it easier to catch them in the act.
Remember, anything that adds time or hastle into taking your car will put potential car thieves off.
Also, check who's around when you park up. If someone's hanging around near your car, they might spot you unplugging the satnav and sticking it in the glovebox. If it doesn't feel safe, either park somewhere else or take valuable items with you.
In short, park in a well-lit, safe space. Never leave anything in sight that could catch a thief’s eye, and consider additional security measures for extra peace of mind. If you leave your engine running while you’re defrosting your car, be extra-vigilant. Your insurance may not cover a claim for theft from your vehicle if you’ve left it unattended.
