New cars are generally fitted as standard with effective immobilisers.

Older cars are easier targets for opportunist thieves and professionals, who might break the car up to sell the parts.

Demand for parts increases as cars get older but owners are less likely to want to pay main dealer prices.

• If you have an older car, consider fitting a security system or upgrading one already fitted.

• Most important is an immobiliser designed to prevent the vehicle from being driven away.

• The immobiliser should be supplemented by an alarm as an additional deterrent against both theft-of and theft-from.

• An alarm or immobiliser is only as good as the installation.
  Thatcham approved system (recommended). Installed by a Vehicle Systems Installation Board (VSIB) approved installer.

Mechanical immobilisers

• Most mechanical immobilisers fit across the steering wheel to prevent it turning.

• Look for products that have been tested and approved by approved by Thatcham.

• The main drawback is that mechanical immobilisers don't arm automatically – you must remember to fit the device every time you leave the car.