We are not talking about nuisance vehicles here. Vehicle crime tends to be theft of or theft from a vehicle. It is not cheap to keep a vehicle on the road, and insurance costs can be high. Here's what you can do to stop yourself having to make a claim.

Protect your vehicle

• Keep it locked - most obvious first, also make sure your sunroof and windows are up, to prevent 'fishing' thefts and make sure everything is locked. 
• Park wisely - choose a well lit or busy location or even better use a Park Mark registered car park, wheverever available.
• On show, it's going to go - we've already mentioned criminals are opportunists, do not advertise your belongings. A tray of coins or change might not seem much to you, but others would smash your window to get at it.
• Remove valuables - Remove all valuables to your home, don't risk getting your car boot emptied on Christmas Eve. Never leave your car log book (V5C document) inside the car.
• Secure your registration plate - these can be stolen and used to disguise cars used in other crime. If it is stolen, inform the police.
• Work vans - install a lockable cabinet inside the van to store your tools or even better, don't leave tools or valuables in the vehicle at all, espsecially when not in use. Add a sticker to your work vehicle to say, 'all tools removed overnight'. Register your tools on imobilise.com or mark them with your surname and address.
• Catalytic Converter theft - unfortunately, the material these parts are made from, makes them a target for theft. You can seek advice from vehicle dealerships on approved locks. Alternatively park in a garage or secure compound.