Car insurance: Anti-theft advice - from a former burglar

Sunday, 03 January 2010

Car insurance customers have been warned against leaving handbags, satellite navigation systems and other valuables on view in their vehicle - by a former thief.

Almost 100 per cent of thefts from cars are down to opportunity, John (not his real name) told the Jarrow and Hebburn Gazette.

"If people didn't leave any things on show in cars they wouldn't get broken into," he told the news provider.

The 26-year-old has 19 convictions for offences including theft and shoplifting, but has turned his life around to work with Northumbria Police in raising awareness of burglary from cars.

People's biggest mistake is leaving clues to what they have in their car, claimed John, adding that while people tend to hide their sat nav in the glove box, the stand or charger would be left near the window.

"You'd also be amazed at how many people leave handbags on car seats," said John.

Anti-theft advice from the Home Office states that it is best never to leave anything on view in a car, but if it is unavoidable items should be locked in the boot out of sight.

Posted by Rebecca Mellor

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