Imagine stepping out onto your driveway only to find an empty space where your car used to be. This nightmare is increasingly becoming a reality for many, as recent data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveals a startling 8% surge in vehicle thefts last year, totalling 132,489 instances.
Against this backdrop of growing concern, Google searches for 'how to keep your car safe' have skyrocketed by 55% in the past month, underscoring a growing awareness and concern among car owners. The alarming fact that some modern thieves can whisk away your vehicle in as little as 10 seconds adds to the urgency.
In response to this escalating threat, Nationwide Vehicle Contracts has compiled a crucial list of the top 10 car safety products of the year. From budget-friendly essentials to cutting-edge technology, we dive into the must-have gadgets and innovations that are flying off the shelves – with the most popular retailing at just £6!
Ranking | Product | Average Price | Amazon Search Increase | Google Search Increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | RFID blocking wallet | £6 | 200% | 100% |
2 | Kill switch | £10 | 50% | 50% |
3 | Parking post | £40 | 31% | 30% |
4 | Dash cam | £60 | 22% | 30% |
=5 | Wheel lock | £70 | 26% | 24% |
=5 | Wheel clamp | £50 | 26% | 24% |
=6 | Steering wheel lock | £30 | 22% | 22% |
=6 | Ring doorbell | £60 | 22% | 22% |
7 | Car immobiliser | £50 | 21% | 22% |
8 | Car trackers | £20 | 19% | 19% |
9 | Brake lock | £20 | -17% | -18% |
10 | Car alarm | £20 | -19% | -21% |
NB: When leasing a vehicle, always check with your finance provider before installing aftermarket products or making modifications. Unauthorised changes can violate lease terms, potentially leading to penalties or voided warranties. It's important to get approval first to avoid any complications with your lease agreement.
The most in-demand car safety product is the RFID blocking wallet, retailing at a very affordable price point of £6 - and is also a must-have for any motorists who own a keyless car. Using tools to ‘boost’ signals from car keys, thieves are able to unlock cars without even having to break into the house!
- How It Works: These wallets are designed to block RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) signals, preventing thieves from amplifying the signal from your keyless car keys to unlock and start your car remotely.
- Effectiveness: Highly effective against relay attacks, a common method used in modern car thefts.
- Limitations: Only protects against one type of car theft method; does not provide physical security for the vehicle itself.
With a 200% increase in Amazon searches, and a further 100% increase in Google searches, RFID blocking wallets are the current must-have for motorists and have frequently gone viral for the anti-theft purpose.
In an age where car thieves are increasingly tech-savvy, the kill switch emerges as a stealthy and effective countermeasure. Its purpose is simple yet powerful – to make it impossible to start your car without knowing the secret.
- How It Works: A kill switch interrupts the flow of electricity or fuel to the engine until a hidden switch or button is activated.
- Effectiveness: Excellent for preventing theft, as the car cannot be started without activating the switch.
- Limitations: Requires professional installation; effectiveness depends on the secrecy of the switch’s location.
The kill switch, typically priced around £10, has become a popular choice for drivers looking to add an extra layer of security to their vehicles. Its increasing popularity is a testament to its effectiveness in keeping vehicles safe from the hands of thieves.
As car theft tactics grow more sophisticated, sometimes the best defense is a physical one. Enter the parking post, a stalwart guardian priced around £40, standing vigil over your vehicle. Ideal for private driveways, this unassuming yet robust barrier serves as a formidable deterrent to would-be thieves.
- How It Works: Installed on your driveway, it acts as a physical barrier, preventing cars from being driven away.
- Effectiveness: Great for deterring theft due to its visible and physical nature.
- Limitations: Not applicable for those without a driveway; requires installation.
For car owners with a driveway, the parking post stands as a highly effective means of protecting their vehicles. Its combination of simplicity, visibility, and physical deterrence makes it an essential component in the arsenal against car theft.
In the ongoing battle against car theft and vandalism, the dash cam stands out as a technological beacon. Retailing around £60, this device is more than just a recorder of journeys; it's a vigilant guardian that captures everything happening around your vehicle.
- How It Works: Records footage of the car’s surroundings, which can be used as evidence in case of theft or vandalism.
- Effectiveness: Offers a deterrent effect and vital post-theft evidence.
- Limitations: May not prevent theft; dependent on camera quality and positioning.
The dash cam's popularity continues to grow among motorists, and for good reason. Its ability to record, deter, and provide evidence makes it an invaluable asset for any car owner concerned about the security of their vehicle.
In the array of car safety devices, wheel locks and wheel clamps stand out as formidable immobilisers. Retailing at around £70 and £50, respectively, these devices offer a straightforward yet highly effective way to secure your vehicle against theft.
- How They Work: These devices lock onto the wheel, preventing it from turning and thus immobilising the car.
- Effectiveness: Very visible; strong deterrent against theft.
- Limitations: Need to be manually applied and removed; can be time-consuming.
Wheel locks and clamps remain popular choices for drivers looking to add an extra layer of security to their vehicles. Their effectiveness as a visual deterrent, coupled with the physical barrier they provide, makes them invaluable tools in the fight against car theft.
In the realm of vehicle safety, the combination of the steering wheel lock and the Ring doorbell offers a unique blend of traditional and modern security methods.
Steering Wheel Lock
- How It Works: Attaches to the steering wheel, making it impossible to steer the car.
- Effectiveness: Highly visible and effective; acts as a strong physical barrier.
- Limitations: Requires manual application every time the driver leaves the car.
The Steering Wheel Lock, priced around £30, is a testament to the effectiveness of physical security measures. Its straightforward, visible approach makes it a popular choice for drivers who value reliability and simplicity in their security.
Ring Doorbell
- How It Works: A smart doorbell with a camera alerts homeowners of movement near their car and can capture footage of potential thieves.
- Effectiveness: Provides real-time alerts and evidence collection.
- Limitations: Dependent on Wi-Fi; doesn’t physically secure the car.
Priced at around £60, the Ring Doorbell represents the cutting-edge of digital surveillance, becoming increasingly popular for its ability to monitor and record activities around the car. Its ability to provide real-time monitoring and evidence collection makes it a worthy investment for those looking to add an extra layer of protection for their vehicles.
Footage has gone viral of CCTV and Ring doorbells capturing criminals, usually acting in groups or pairs, one with a signal booster and the other with a device to get the car to unlock. In some cases, criminals have been able to unlock the car within 10 seconds and have driven away within 30 seconds.
In the arsenal of modern car security measures, the car immobiliser stands out as a sophisticated electronic guard. While often a standard feature in newer vehicles, this device, priced at around £50, is also an upgrade option for older models, offering a high-tech solution to vehicle theft.
- How It Works: Prevents the engine from starting unless a correct key or token is used.
- Effectiveness: Standard in most modern cars; highly effective in preventing hot-wiring.
- Limitations: Factory-installed; not an option for older cars without modification.
The car immobiliser is a crucial element in the contemporary car security landscape. Its integration into vehicle systems represents a leap forward in deterring car theft, making it an invaluable feature for any modern car owner concerned about the safety of their vehicle.
In the realm of vehicle security, car trackers have emerged as a crucial tool for modern drivers. Priced at around £20, these devices utilise cutting-edge GPS technology to keep a vigilant eye on your vehicle's whereabouts, offering a sense of security and peace of mind.
- How It Works: Uses GPS technology to track the location of your car in real-time.
- Effectiveness: Excellent for recovery post-theft.
- Limitations: Doesn’t prevent theft; requires ongoing subscription for monitoring services.
The value of car trackers in today's automotive landscape is undeniable. Their ability to provide real-time location data makes them an indispensable tool for car owners, offering an added layer of security and reassurance in the event of vehicle theft.
Amidst the array of sophisticated car security devices, the brake lock, also known as the pedal protector, stands out for its straightforward yet effective mechanism. Retailing at around £20, this device offers an additional layer of security through its simple, mechanical approach.
- How It Works: Attaches to the brake pedal, preventing it from being used.
- Effectiveness: Adds an additional layer of security.
- Limitations: Needs to be manually applied; can be bypassed by determined thieves.
The brake lock remains a popular and cost-effective option for many drivers. Its ease of use, affordability, and the added security layer it provides make it a valuable addition to any car owner’s anti-theft measures.
The car alarm remains a staple in car security, known for its loud and immediate response to potential threats. Typically priced around £20, it's a popular and accessible option for many vehicle owners.
- How It Works: Activates a loud siren when unauthorized access or disturbances are detected.
- Effectiveness: Draws immediate attention to the vehicle, deterring potential thieves.
- Limitations: Prone to false alarms; may be ignored or quickly disabled by skilled thieves.
The car alarm is an essential component of vehicle security. Its ability to quickly draw attention can be crucial in preventing theft. When used in combination with other security measures, like steering wheel locks or GPS trackers, it forms a more comprehensive approach to protecting your vehicle against potential thefts.
“Whilst dash cams and physical barriers like parking posts can be a bit more expensive, cheaper tools like RFID-blocking wallets can offer a good level of protection against cunning car thieves.”
As vehicle theft tactics become increasingly sophisticated, it is more important than ever for car owners to take proactive steps in securing their vehicles. By investing in these safety products, you're not just protecting your car; you're safeguarding the peace of mind that comes with knowing your vehicle is secure.
