Why doing this with your car's wheels could stop it from being stolen

SECURITY alarms and steering locks might be strong deterrents to ward off criminals, but there could be an even simpler way to keep thieves from trying to nick your beloved motor - and it all comes down to how you park.

A former criminal-turned-security expert has claimed the direction your wheels face when you park can have a massive influence on whether or not your car is targeted by crooks.

Working with car leasing specialist, Leasing Options, Michael Fraser created a criminal cheat sheet using the information he's gathered during his time on both sides of the law.

According to Fraser, by parking your car with the wheels turned into the kerb, thieves are less likely to try to steal it.

This simple trick allegedly throws a would-be bandit off as they fear they would not be able to make a quick getaway, wasting precious moments on additional manoeuvres to turn the wheels back towards the road before they speed off in your motor.

Of course, this trick is more likely to be effective if you are parked in a close line of cars rather than on an empty kerb.

Top tips to avoid having your car stolen

The trick will also activate your car's automatic wheel lock if you turn the wheels after your remove the key from the ignition.

And while it might not be fool-proof method to save your car, it just might provide an extra few vital seconds that could see the thief caught red-handed.

Many of us will already know to keep valuables out of sight, park in well light areas and to keep a keen eye out for potential threats, but Fraser also provided some extra tips that many motorists wouldn't even consider.

If you are leaving your car at home or public car park, the security expert claimed parking facing your house or a wall can be enough to prevent theft, as it makes it more difficult for thieves to get the car off your drive, having to reverse rather than drive straight off.

According to Fraser, simple things like changing up your morning routine or storing your car keys away from your front door are enough to giving you a better chance of avoiding car theft.

Security expert Fraser said: "Turning your wheels in towards the curb or another vehicle makes it harder for a thief to make a getaway as, firstly, the wheels will get stuck in the car wheel well on the side of the road and, secondly, if you do this once you’ve taken your keys out of the ignition it will activate the cars’ automatic wheel lock.

More tips and tricks on car theft

"As well as activating the lock, turning the wheel towards the curb means anyone trying to make a quick getaway in your car would have to do more manoeuvres to make their escape, especially if you’re parked in a tight parking space.

“Leaving cars in unsecured areas, such as dark car parks or under trees with no lighting, makes it easier for thieves to steal the vehicle and they know they are less likely to get caught on security camera footage.

“Members of the public could also be unaware that high valuable technology inside vehicles won’t be covered on car insurance policies, unless the driver has made the insurance provider aware of the items being left in the car."

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