RAC Auto Windscreens is warning motorists about rocketing theft from cars, with a 23% rise in the number of smashed side windows reported last year due to opportunistic thieves grabbing expensive gadgets left in clear view in unattended cars.
- Motorists warned about thieves "smashing and grabbing" side windscreens to bag car booty
RAC Auto Windscreens is warning motorists about rocketing theft from cars, with a 23% rise in the number of smashed side windows reported last year due to opportunistic thieves grabbing expensive gadgets left in clear view in unattended cars.
Research carried out by RAC Auto Windscreens* reveals that despite a car theft taking place every 22 seconds, over 40% of motorists regularly leave valuables on show when their cars are unattended, making rich pickings for thieves who are increasingly smashing side windows to bag booty. A further quarter of motorists admit to leaving gadgets on show and unattended for more than 10 minutes at a time.
Only 3% of motorists secure valuables in an in-car safe and just 13% put precious possessions in the boot. This means that 84% of motorists would not be covered by their standard insurance policy if they were victims of a "smash and grab" theft.
The research also revealed that one in ten cars has contents worth more than Ł1,000 – that’s over twice the value of electrical goods in the average British bedroom (Ł399). This includes:
- A quarter of cars having sat nav technology
- A fifth transporting a laptop
- One in eight containing iPods and portable DVD players
- Three quarters of motorists having a mobile phone in the car.
Reformed burglar and presenter of BBC2's To Catch a Thief programme, Michael Fraser, explains: “Leaving desirable goods such as iPods, phones and satellite navigation systems on display puts temptation in the path of opportunist thieves who will simply smash and grab the goods on show. Throwing a coat over expensive belongings or hiding things under the seat is not a deterrent for a determined thief. It only takes a few seconds for a thief to smash a side windscreen and make off with goods, so people are getting caught short when they leave goods unattended even for only a few minutes.”
Spokesperson Adam Cracknell comments: “Today’s cars are treasure troves packed with the latest technology and gadgets making them a target for theft. Not surprisingly, our call centres have received a surge of calls reporting thefts since Christmas and the new year sales. We are urging all UK motorists to take better care of their valuables by putting them in an in-car safe or locking them in the boot. The problem is that motorists are not only enticing thieves to their cars by leaving valuables on display, but they also stand to miss out on being able to make an insurance claim if they have not secured their valuables.”
RAC Auto Windscreens top tips to prevent theft:
- Invest in an in-car safe to keep valuables in
- Choose your parking spot wisely – consider parking in car parks with security guards and / or CCTV. Some policies offer reduced premiums if you regularly park in such locations
- Make a list of all your valuables, calculate how much they are worth and check that your insurance cover is sufficient
- Get windscreen chips fixed immediately – don’t open the window of opportunity for thieves
- Sat navs are an easy reach from side window smashes and often contain personal data which could lead the thief to your home – keep them out of sight when not in use.
-ends-
RAC Press office contact:
Adam Cracknell and Jon Day at RAC Press Office on 01603 684916/07800 699517 or 01603 209287/07800 690555 or Sonia Clarke on 0207 908 6570 or Leila Bateman on 0207 908 6550
Notes to editors:
* Research conducted by ICM on behalf of RAC Auto Windscreens between 19 and 21 January 2007.
About RAC
With around seven million members, RAC is one of the UK's most progressive motoring organizations, providing services for both private and business motorists. Whether it's roadside assistance, windscreen repair and replacement, learning to drive, vehicle inspections and checks, legal and financial services or up-to-the-minute traffic and travel information - RAC is able to meet motorists’ needs. RAC incorporates BSM, RAC Auto Windscreens, RAC Direct Insurance and HPI.
Aviva bought RAC in May 2005. The acquisition brings together RAC's powerful brand and customer base with the expertise and leading position in motor insurance of Norwich Union Insurance (part of Aviva). Norwich Union is the UK's largest insurer, insuring one in seven motor vehicles and with a market share of around 15%.
RAC’s news releases and a selection of images are available from the internet press centre at www.racnews.co.uk