Residents of St Mary Bourne understandably want to protect their vehicles from theft or damage. Fortunately, St Mary Bourne, located in Basingstoke and Deane, exhibits a considerably lower crime rate than the national average. The area's crime rate stands at 24.0 incidents per 1,000 residents, significantly below the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. This contributes to a high safety score of 93 out of 100, exceeding the UK average of 79. While the overall crime rate is reassuring, property crime, specifically, accounts for 11.4 incidents per 1,000 residents, highlighting the importance of preventative measures.
Here’s how residents can proactively safeguard their vehicles:
- Secure Parking: Whenever possible, park your vehicle in a well-lit and visible location. A locked garage or driveway offers the best protection. If street parking is unavoidable, choose areas with higher foot traffic.
- Vehicle Alarms & Tracking Devices: Installing a vehicle alarm system can deter potential thieves. Consider a tracking device, which can assist in recovery if theft does occur. While not a guarantee, these devices significantly increase the chances of retrieval.
- Visible Security Measures: Even simple steps like applying window etchings with your vehicle's registration number can act as a deterrent.
- Remove Valuables: Never leave valuables, such as electronics or cash, visible within your vehicle. Even seemingly insignificant items can attract attention.
- Secure Vehicle Documents: Keep vehicle registration documents and insurance details in a secure location, away from the vehicle.
- Review Insurance Policy: Ensure your vehicle insurance policy provides adequate coverage for theft and damage. Understand the terms and conditions of your policy.
- Community Awareness: Be aware of your neighbours and report any suspicious activity to the police. A vigilant community can contribute significantly to crime prevention.