Summer is the season that all classic car enthusiasts look forward to. It brings the perfect conditions for driving our cherished vehicles and working on restoration projects. However, sadly it also provides greater opportunities for thieves.

The risk

Opportunistic thieves have always targeted classic cars. But the risk of classic car theft is on the rise now as organised criminals are recognising the potential of classic cars as a financial investment.

Not only are classic cars extremely desirable to thieves due to their potential value, but the issue is also compounded by the fact that these vehicles are generally much easier to steal than modern cars.

Classic cars lack the security features inherent in modern vehicles. This makes them much easier to break into, tow away or hotwire. In addition, classic cars lack the sophisticated identification markings seen in newer vehicles. This makes alterations to classic cars much easier, making them harder to trace than modern vehicles which are stolen.

When classic cars are stolen, time is of the essence. Vehicles which are not tracked down and recovered within the first 24 hours after being stolen are often stripped down for parts or altered, so they are practically impossible to identify.

Classic car security tips

If you own a classic car, it’s important to be aware of the risk of theft and take measures to reduce this. Check out these do’s and don’ts and implement our security tips to ensure you have the best protection for your beloved vehicle.

Do:

  1. Always ensure the doors on your vehicle are locked when not in use and that the windows and sunroof are all closed.
  2. When out and about, make sure you park your car in busy, well-lit or attended car parks. Wherever possible, try to park in good view of CCTV cameras.
  3. Park your car in a garage at home if you have one, rather than in full visibility to thieves on the driveway.
  4. If you don’t have a garage, and your household also has a modern car, park this newer vehicle in front of your classic car whenever possible, as this will make it much harder to steal.
  5. Invest in security devices for your vehicle to ensure added protection. We recommend an immobiliser and tracker device. As an added bonus, installing these devices can also reduce your insurance premiums.
  6. Install a car alarm to alert you to any activity on or around your vehicle.
  7. Use a steering lock.

Don’t:

  1. Don’t leave the keys in your car or garage doors. While this is rarely done deliberately, it’s a good idea to try to get into the habit of double-checking you have removed the keys before leaving your vehicle or garage unattended.
  2. Don’t leave valuable items in view when your car is parked and unattended. This includes things such as mobile phones, wallets, handbags or shopping bags.
  3. Don’t leave your car keys in a place where they are visible or easily accessible from the outside when at home.

 

Don’t let the heightened risk of classic car theft deter you from enjoying your cherished vehicle over the summer period. Simply be vigilant and follow our security tips to reduce your car’s vulnerability and lower the risk of theft.