The importance of car security was highlighted when a celebrity family in the UK had a luxury car stolen from outside their house. Soccer club manager Paul Peschisolido, the husband of television personality Karren Brady, had his £30,000 car taken from their driveway after he left it running to clear ice from the windscreen. Peschisolido, manager of Burton Albion Football Club, and Brady, from the hit TV show, The Apprentice, and also vice-chairman of West Ham United Football Club, were the victims of two opportunist thieves who stole the vehicle and smashed through the gates to their home. The theft prompted Tracker, a company that specializes in stolen vehicle tracking, to warn motorists to be vigilant. The company says that car owners should never leave their vehicles unattended whilst they heat them up or defrost the windows. Stuart Chapman, a police liaison officer for Tracker, said: “Car thieves are opportunists and leaving the keys in the car for just a moment can be fatal. This case proves no one is immune, even those who have gated driveways. This case also highlights you can lose a lot more than just the car — the victim also had his laptop taken that contained valuable information. “We advise car owners to keep security in mind at all times and never leave their keys in the car with the engine running. An insurance company may not pay out on an incident like this, making it a very costly mistake.” Tracker offers the following car security advice for the winter: 1. Never leave the keys in the ignition, even if you are just stopping quickly. 2. Never leave you car running unattended when de-icing. 3. Always lock and secure your vehicle. 4. Make sure you don’t leave belongings on show — lock them in the trunk or take them with you. 5. Fit a stereo with a removable front panel and take it with you when you leave the car. Mark it with your vehicle registration. 6. Never leave car documents or spare keys inside the car. 7. Keep doors locked and windows up when driving. 8. Park in busy or well-lit and attended car parks near CCTV cameras. 9. If you have a garage, use it to park your car. 10. At home, don’t keep keys in a place where they can be seen or accessed from outside. Nobody is immune from the threat of car theft. The car is often the main source of mobility for workers and families especially in the winter months and, therefore, the importance of car security cannot be stressed enough. Following the tips above will help to ensure a safe and secure winter. Category:Home › Home • Will higher gasoline prices mean lower sales for new cars? — part 2 • Will higher gasoline prices mean lower sales for new cars? — part 1 • Should the crew of the Sea Shepherd board whaling ships? • Which makes a better pet: A dog or a cat? — part 13 • Grandparents: Can blogging chronicle your genealogy? • Which makes a better pet: A dog or a cat? — part 12 • Are teachers unions the cause of public school problems today? • Which makes a better pet: A dog or a cat? — part 11
