Vehicle theft, while less prevalent in Spencers Wood and Three Mile Cross compared to the national average, remains a concern for residents. The area, a built-up area (BUA) with a population of approximately 13,000, currently has a crime rate of 35.0 per 1,000 residents, significantly lower than the UK average of 91.6. This contributes to a strong safety score of 92/100 for the area, exceeding the UK average of 79. However, a property crime rate of 9.9 per 1,000 residents indicates that vehicle theft, along with other property-related crimes, does occur.
So, what steps can residents take to protect their vehicles? Several measures can be implemented, ranging from simple deterrents to more comprehensive security systems. Firstly, consider visible deterrents. A car alarm, even a basic one, can often be enough to deter opportunistic thieves. Steering locks, often referred to as 'The Club', are another visible deterrent that makes vehicle access significantly more difficult.
Parking location is crucial. Whenever possible, park in well-lit areas, preferably under CCTV surveillance. Avoid leaving valuables visible inside the vehicle; even seemingly insignificant items can attract attention. Regularly check your vehicle’s condition for signs of attempted theft, such as scratches around door locks or windows.
Beyond these immediate actions, consider investing in more advanced security features. Dashcams, both front and rear-facing, can record incidents and provide valuable evidence if a theft does occur. Immobilisers, which prevent the engine from starting without a specific key or code, are another effective layer of security. While these measures don't eliminate the risk entirely, they demonstrably increase the difficulty for potential thieves and can significantly reduce the likelihood of your vehicle being targeted, particularly given Spencers Wood and Three Mile Cross's relatively low overall crime rate.