CAR SECURITY - WHAT CAR SUPERTEST FEATURE
LOCK IT OR LOSE IT
The recent what car magazine security supertest suggests that Modern Cars Have Never Been More Secure. But that doesn't mean you can't do something to make the thieves' lives even more difficult.  Jonathan Crouch reports

`Lock it or lose it`. It's a familiar cry that doesn't ring true any more, for if you lock it, the chances are that you still may lose it, particularly if the item in question is a brand new car.
Of course, some makes are better than others - a fact revealed by the latest What Car? Magazine Security Supertest. This has shown that today's new cars are more secure than ever before. None of the 60 cars the magazine tested could be driven away without the keys and almost half could not be broken into at all. In almost every case, the easiest way to get past a modern car's security system is to use the keys.
So modern cars are getting better on this front. Not that any of this should leave you with a false sense of security, or persuade you that there's nothing more you can do to make sure that you don't become one of the 1,700 car theft statistics created in the UK every day. There are plenty of things you can do to make the car thief's life as difficult as possible. Following all these measures is likely to encourage the criminal to move on to easier pickings.
1) If you have one, always use your garage overnight or when you leave the car for any length of time. Always lock it, even in the garage.
2) If you don't have a garage, park where unauthorised interference would draw attention. Leave it `out front` under a lamp post rather than in some dark alley `round the back` where a thief can get to work uninterrupted.
3) Always lock your car, even if you are leaving it for just a few seconds. Never leave keys in the ignition, even when you are filling it at the garage or paying for petrol.
4) Don't leave valuables or anything loose on display in your car. If you are unable to remove your belongings, at least lock them in the boot.
5) If possible, vary the locations where you leave your car. Regular patronage of the station car park is the classical commuter's downfall.
6) If you have anti-theft devices fitted, make sure you always activate them. Always ensure your steering column lock is engaged by twisting it until it `clicks`.
7) Audio systems have many anti-theft devices incorporated. Some have a flashing light to indicate they are `armed`. Since the light is similar to that used on more expensive alarm systems, it may deter the thief from raiding your car as well as targeting your radio.
8) Park with your wheel faced into the kerb. This will make it difficult for organised thieves to drag your car onto a transporter.
9) Use lockable fuel caps and specify extra devices like lockable wheel nuts.
Summary
So it's true; new cars have never been more secure. You can buy with greater peace of mind than ever before, a factor to remember if you're considering the merits of new versus used. That doesn't mean you can relax however. The thieves, after all, never do...