The police offer a number of tips to make vehicle theft (or merely breaking into it) more difficult:

  • the car should have an alarm system installed which, among other things, will protect the passenger compartment against break-ins. Various types of mechanical locks are a good complement, as is having an ignition cut-off switch hidden in a place known only to the owner
  • if it is not possible to leave the car in a guarded car park, choose parking spaces that are clearly visible to others and frequently used. At night, choose places that are well lit and close to the windows of residential buildings
  • an important measure making it more difficult to profit from car theft is to have its most important components marked by a specialist company and not to buy parts from a suspicious source.

When parking a car, even for a short time, you should:

  • check that all windows are closed and the boot is latched
  • switch on the alarm and any other security devices you have
  • luggage, such as bags, backpacks, briefcases and other items, should be kept in compartments or the boot; leaving them in view will encourage thieves (this also applies to shopping left in the car outside shops). Nor should these items be put in the boot only after arriving at the parking place
  • if the car has a radio with a removable front panel, take the panel with you rather than hiding it in the glove compartment or under the seat
  • when leaving the car, put the keys in an inside pocket of your clothing, and at home keep them in a safe place (away from the entrance door). Never leave the car documents inside
  • when parking on your property or in a garage, do not leave the gate open or the car with the keys in the ignition.

When travelling by car, above all, you should not:

  • leave handbags, briefcases, backpacks or other valuables on the passenger seat or the rear seat
  • pick up hitchhikers from suspicious places or people met by chance during a stop
  • stop in unlit or wooded areas or in isolated places
  • leave the car unattended while stopped, especially when luggage is visible through its windows.

Officers:

Remember! Carefully consider any attempts by other road users to stop you, for example, by signalling that there is something wrong with your car. This may be an attempted robbery. It is better to drive to the nearest large petrol station and check the vehicle there.