The question of how to protect your vehicle from crime in Wem, Shropshire, is a valid concern for residents. While Wem boasts a relatively favourable safety profile compared to the UK average, understanding the local crime landscape and taking preventative measures is crucial. Wem has a population of 6299 and a crime rate of 62.4 per 1,000 residents. This is notably lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, suggesting a generally safer environment. Furthermore, Wem’s safety score stands at 85/100, exceeding the UK average of 79, indicating a higher perceived level of safety.
However, it’s important to consider the property crime rate, which sits at 17.6 per 1,000. While this isn't exceptionally high, it highlights the potential for vehicle-related theft. Vehicle crime isn't limited to theft of the vehicle itself; it can also involve theft of items from the vehicle.
So, what can you do? Here’s a breakdown of practical steps:
- Parking Location: Whenever possible, park your vehicle in well-lit and visible areas. Criminals are less likely to target vehicles in plain sight.
- Vehicle Security Systems: Consider installing an alarm system or a steering lock. These act as deterrents, signalling to potential thieves that your vehicle is more difficult to target.
- Valuables: Never leave valuables visible inside your car. This includes phones, laptops, and even loose change. Even seemingly insignificant items can attract opportunistic thieves.
- Window Etching: Consider window etching, which involves marking your vehicle's VIN number onto the windows. This makes the vehicle more difficult to resell if stolen.
- Dash Cam: A dash cam can provide valuable evidence if your vehicle is involved in an incident. While it won't prevent crime, it can assist in investigations.
- Secure Parking: If available, utilise secure parking options like gated car parks or those with security personnel.
- Regular Checks: Regularly inspect your vehicle for signs of tampering or attempted break-in.