Car thieves are using increasingly more high-tech methods to gain access to vehicles; electronic devices can scan keys and allow access to vehicles within seconds. So it's natural to think you need sophisticated measures to protect your car.
But ironically, there's a strong argument that old-school mechanical measures like a steering wheel lock might be the most effective protection against thieves of all kinds, no matter how much technology they are using.
That's the opinion of one leading UK breakdown assistance company, Start Rescue.
It says "simple, strong and visible anti-theft solutions such as steering wheel locks and wheel clamps" are the most effective way to make thieves move on to another target, because they are obvious and take valuable time to disable.
“It takes seconds to attach a steering wheel lock to reduce the risk of theft,” says Lee Puffett, managing director of Start Rescue. “Protecting your car from criminals also helps keep your personal information secure, that is stored through in-car data and smartphone apps.”
“Using a steering wheel cover, brake pedal lock or a similar device might seem like an old fashioned way to secure your car. But it’s tried and tested technology and puts off thieves with a tough physical deterrent. Anything that makes a thief ignore your car and move on is worth using.”
Drivers can further help prevent car theft by keeping keys and fobs out of sight and reach when at home or work. Don’t arrive home and immediately drop your keys on the hall table, says Start Rescue.
Get into the habit of storing them out of sight – thieves won’t care what they damage in their quest to steal keys they can see, even if a door or window is in their way. You can also keep a car key in an RFID pouch to block its signal from thieves.