What Car? guide to winter motoring - Seasonal Security

Accident rates increase through the winter, but so do the number of thefts from cars. Besides the obvious temptation of cars loaded with Christmas presents, thieves like to take advantage of the cover of darkness to hide their activities.

• Always lock your car, even if you are only leaving it for a few seconds to pay for fuel or get a parking ticket. Close all windows, put the steering lock on and activate any alarm fitted.

• Don't leave any valuables or shopping on display. Don't think that because your car is on your driveway it's safe – Home Office figures show 63% of thefts are from outside owners' homes.

• Unfortunately, trying to hide items can also attract thieves – pulling back the loadbay cover on an estate could easily have criminals wondering what's underneath. If the boot's empty leave the cover retracted to show that it is. Try to do all of your shopping in one go so you don’t have to leave anything unattended.

• Choose a busy, well-lit place to park, preferably close to CCTV cameras. You can find more secure car parks by logging on to Saferparking.com hereor looking out for the Park Mark tick logo.

• If you don't have a unique-fit stereo that can only be used in your car, consider fitting a system with a removable front panel. Take it with you when you leave the car so thieves aren't tempted.

• Thefts in traffic jams and at lights have increased recently. Keep doors locked while you're driving. Some can be programmed to automatically lock when you pull away. Make sure valuable items are out of the reach of criminals, who can approach your car in traffic queues or when stopped at lights.