Why Night-Time Security Matters

Most car thefts and break-ins happen under cover of darkness. It’s not about where you live so much as how easy your car looks to take. Opportunists go for the quick wins; a car left unlocked, valuables on show, or an older model without an alarm. The good news is you don’t need fancy tech to deter them. A few sensible habits go a long way.

Think of it less as “locking up the car” and more as “making life difficult for thieves.” The harder it looks, the quicker they’ll move on to an easier target.

Pick Your Parking Spot Wisely

Where you park at night makes more difference than you might think. If you’ve got a garage, use it; even if it means moving a few boxes around first. Thieves tend to avoid cars out of sight. If you park on the street, choose a well-lit spot near houses or under a lamppost. A driveway is usually safer than the kerb, especially if you block your car in with another vehicle.

Some people fit a simple post or ground anchor at the end of their drive. It’s not pretty, but it works. Even parking nose-in against a wall can make a thief’s job harder if they were hoping for a quick getaway.

Lock Up Properly; Every Time

It sounds obvious, but it’s easily missed when you’re distracted or carrying shopping. Double-check that every door and window is locked before walking away. Many modern cars have mirrors that fold in when locked, so it’s worth glancing back to make sure they’ve tucked themselves in. If they haven’t, the car might still be open.

Also, don’t assume keyless entry means foolproof security. Relay thefts; where criminals amplify your key’s signal from inside your house; are more common than most people realise. Keep key fobs in a signal-blocking pouch or tin overnight, well away from the front door.

Hide Temptation

Thieves rarely know what they’re looking for; they just spot something shiny. Bags, sunglasses, satnavs, even loose change can make a car worth breaking into. Keep the inside tidy and empty when parked overnight. If you’ve got a dashcam, unplug it or tilt it down so it’s not visible through the windscreen.

It might sound paranoid, but a clean car looks less interesting. And remember to remove the suction marks from your windscreen if you use a satnav holder; it’s a subtle clue that something valuable might be hidden in the glove box.

Extra Layers of Protection

Some people swear by old-school deterrents, and with good reason. A visible steering wheel lock or wheel clamp still sends a clear message: “Not worth the trouble.” They’re cheap, simple, and work with most cars. You can also add a tracker or immobiliser if your insurer allows it; both are worthwhile for higher-value vehicles.

If your car’s fitted with an alarm, don’t disable it just because it’s noisy or sensitive. Make sure it’s armed when you lock up. A brief honk at midnight is better than waking up to an empty space where your car used to be.

Think Like a Thief; Then Outthink Them

It might help to take a quick walk around your car and ask yourself what would tempt someone passing by. Anything visible? Any easy way in? Is the area dark or secluded? Fixing one or two small things can make all the difference. And if you live in a block or shared parking area, talk to neighbours; collective watchfulness is powerful deterrence.

Lastly, make sure your car insurance is up to date and covers theft and vandalism. It’s not paranoia, it’s preparation.

Useful UK Resources

• Police.uk: Vehicle security advice
• Citizens Advice: Car insurance help
• Age UK: Driving and vehicle safety
• Thatcham Research: Security ratings and certification

There’s no perfect defence against theft, but there’s plenty you can do to make your car less appealing. Secure parking, visible deterrents, and a little vigilance are often all it takes to sleep easier at night.