How to Keep Your Car Safe When Parked Overnight

Vehicle theft in the UK has risen sharply. Here's what actually works to protect your car — and the common mistakes that make it easy for thieves.

Over 130,000 vehicles were stolen in the UK in 2023 — many of them from owners' driveways. Here's how to make yours significantly harder to take.

Keyless Entry — The Relay Attack Problem

If your car has keyless entry (you don't press a button on the fob to unlock), it is vulnerable to relay attacks. Two thieves use devices to amplify your key fob's signal from inside your house to your car on the driveway, fooling the car into thinking the key is present.

Defence: Store key fobs in a Faraday pouch (a metallic signal-blocking bag, available for £5–£15). Keep them away from windows and exterior walls. Switch off keyless entry in the car's settings if your model allows it.

Physical Deterrents That Work

Steering wheel lock — a visible, physical deterrent. Takes 2–3 minutes to remove with the right tools but most thieves move to easier targets.

Driveway post or bollard — prevents the vehicle being driven away without the thief first removing the obstacle

Wheel clamp — time-consuming to remove, effective deterrent

What Doesn't Work as Well as You Think

The flashing LED light that simulates an alarm — thieves know most are decorative

Standard factory alarms alone — experienced thieves disable them in seconds

CCTV and Lighting

A visible CCTV camera and a motion-activated driveway light significantly deter opportunistic theft. Even a fake camera is a deterrent against opportunists, though genuine cameras are obviously preferable for evidence.

Additional Steps

Park with the wheels turned hard to the kerb if possible — makes towing away harder

Never leave a spare key inside the vehicle

Mark your VIN prominently inside windows with an etching kit — makes the vehicle harder to resell

If your vehicle has been stolen and recovered, Fred's Towing Services provides secure, insured transport across Newport, Cardiff, Bristol and Bath. Call 01633 982028.