As the holiday season approaches, Leasing Options is warning people of a concerning trend that accompanies the festive cheer - a spike in car thefts during the run-up to Christmas.
With an increasing number of people using their cars to store their Christmas shopping, opportunistic thieves are making the most of this new trend, resulting in a surge of thefts from cars.
Items including laptops, tablets, and smartphones are typically high on the list of stolen goods as well general shopping bags and cash – all left in cars as a perceived ‘safe place’.
In the spirit of protecting your festive cheer and good will, Leasing Options is issuing a set of crucial tips for motorists to avoid falling victim to car thefts and protect their valuable possessions.
Top Tips for Avoiding Car Thefts this Christmas:
- Keep presents out of sight - avoid leaving wrapped gifts or shopping bags in plain view inside the car
- Park in well-lit areas - choose well-lit parking spaces, especially when shopping or attending festive events during the evening. Thieves are more likely to target cars in fark areas to limit the chances of being seen
- Don't leave valuables in the car - whether it's a laptop, smartphone, or any other valuable, never leave items in your car that might attract unwanted attention
- Be careful with Key Fobs: ensure your key fob is stored securely at home and not left in or near the car as thieves can use signal amplifiers to gain access to your car
Mike Thompson, Chief Operating Officer at Leasing Options said: “With Christmas shopping well underway for some people and TV ads hitting our screens with the must-have festive buys, it’s timely to remind people of the risk of leaving presents in cars.”
Motorists should be extra vigilant during the festive season and take proactive steps to protect their vehicles and belongings and remember that Christmas ‘tis the season for safety.
