This week is National Car Crime Awareness Week, and Avis UK is doing its bit by publishing its top five tips for motorists on how to avoid becoming the victim of car crime. The event has been organised by The Association of Chief Police Officer’s Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service, and is aimed at educating drivers about the variety of criminal activities which are linked to car crime, whilst also teaching them the best ways to avoid it.

UK Security Manager for Avis UK, Robert Donovan, a former policeman, said that during his time with the force he witnessed countless car crimes which could so easily have been avoided through the use of common sense. He added that his most important piece of advice to the country’s drivers would be to remain alert at all times and avoid becoming complacent.

Avis has listed its tips from one to five. At number one is the all too obvious point that drivers, when they are not with their vehicle, should make sure that it is securely locked at all times. Number two is a piece of advice for drivers who like their gadgets. Systems such as sat nav should never be left on display when the vehicle is unattended.

Avis UK’s third tip was that people should never leave anything of any value in the vehicle when it is not being used. Avis points out, that criminals are now able to scan cars for electrical equipment, even if it is locked away with the power turned off.

Tip number four is to never park a car in an unsafe area and tip number five is to keep the car locked, even when driving. An unlocked car, stuck in traffic, is still attractive to some criminals.