The SAS Survival Driver’s Handbook. John Wiseman

good chance that the car will be dumped as soon as the fuel runs out. It’s particularly important to let the police know if you left your mobile phone, credit cards, house keys, vehicle documentation or anything bearing your home address inside the car. Thieves can use registration and other documents to sell the car to an unsuspecting buyer who will have no idea it’s been stolen. Take the name and number of the police officer for insurance purposes. Notify banks, credit card companies, mobile phone operators, as appropriate. And if the house keys have been taken let your family know — the thief could drive up in your car and let himself in. The house will need to be secured and the locks changed.

      As soon as possible, report the theft to your insurance company. It can take months for the claim to go through, but in the meantime you may be entitled to a hire car. Some of the more expensive alarm/immobilizer systems come with a theft warranty — provided the system was switched on at the time of the theft, you should receive a compensation payment.

Security Checklist

      Before leaving your vehicle unattended, check the following:

      • The place where you have parked should be safe (well-lit, in a busy area, where it will not cause an obstruction to other vehicles or pedestrians — see Parking above) and legal.

      • Credit cards, cheque cards and books, house keys, vehicle documentation (including your driver’s licence), should be on your person NOT left in the car.

      • Valuable items should be removed from the car or placed out of sight in the luggage compartment. This includes removable stereo systems or those with removable front panels.

      • Keys must be removed from ignition no matter how briefly the car will be left unattended.

      • Steering lock should be engaged.

      • All doors and windows must be secured (except in the event that an animal has been left in the car, in which case the windows should be left ajar — see Safety)

      • All alarm/immobilizer systems and anti-theft devices should be set before leaving the car.

      • Retract the aerial and tuck in spring-loaded wing mirrors.

       PARKING DOs AND DON’TS

      Put some thought into where you park — follow these guidelines to stay safe:

      Do look for an authorized car park that is well lit, supervised either by attendants or closed-circuit television cameras, with restricted entry and exit points.

      Do make sure the car park will be open when you plan to return.

      Do park as close as you can to the pay booth, to a CCTV camera or to a ramp where there are more likely to be other drivers. Try to park at ground level if you expect to be returning to your car late or when the car park is not busy — the top and bottom floors tend to be deserted outside peak hours. Avoid parking near pillars or large objects which someone could hide behind.

      Always park near an exit to minimize the amount of time you spend walking around in the car park. Before leaving the safety of your locked car, take a look around. Don’t take risks — stay inside the car until you are certain it is safe to leave.

      Do reverse into the parking space — that way you can make a quick getaway should the need arise.

      Do leave plenty of room between cars so you don’t get scratched by a carelessly managed door (be careful as you open your own doors), and so that it won’t be easy for an assailant to trap you.

      Don’t park next to a beaten-up looking car covered in dents and scratches. This may indicate the driver’s lack of concern for not only their vehicle but yours also.

      It’s a good idea to note the number of the car next to you. That way, if you come back and find your car has been damaged you’ll have some hope of tracking down a witness, or even the culprit.

      Be suspicious of anyone loitering nearby who seems to be paying close attention to your movements, they may be planning to steal the car or mug you.

      Make a note of where you have parked the vehicle. Write down the level, bay, and exact spot.

      Engage the steering lock, activate any security devices and secure all doors and windows. Have your belongings ready before you unlock the door and step out of the car. You’re at your most vulnerable while you’re leaning into an open doorway, intent on picking up items from the seat or dashboard. Someone can sneak up behind, give you a hefty shove which sends you sprawling into the seat, and steal your bag or briefcase.