**Simple Parking Technique Could Deter Car Thieves, Say Experts**
Car theft continues to plague motorists throughout the UK, with criminals constantly advancing their tactics to outsmart up-to-date security systems. While many drivers turn to pricey security gadgets, some specialists argue the most effective strategies are often the simplest – including one practical trick involving the way you park your vehicle.
Kazimieras Urbonas, supplier excellence manager at renowned used car parts platform Ovoko, says that thoughtful parking habits can discourage would-be thieves without costing a penny. “What many people overlook is that the way you position your wheels when you park can serve as a highly effective deterrent,” Urbonas explained. “It’s a security method that’s free to implement and could ultimately save you a considerable amount of stress and money.”
The principle behind this approach is straightforward: by manipulating your wheel position as you park, you add a physical obstacle that can make a thief’s job substantially harder. While it doesn’t guarantee total protection, it could make your car a far less appealing target compared to others on the street.
Urbonas points out that most car thieves act on impulse, seeking to steal vehicles quickly and with minimal fuss. Introducing any delay or complication – even as small as awkwardly angled wheels – might be just enough to prompt a criminal to move on to an easier target. “If a thief is forced to struggle with additional manoeuvring or is at risk of drawing attention to themselves, many will abandon the attempt altogether,” he said.
For those looking to adopt this technique, Urbonas offers specific advice for different parking situations:
– **When parking uphill:** He recommends turning your wheels away from the kerb. This way, should a thief attempt to drive off, the car will roll back into the kerb, effectively blocking further movement and preventing a swift escape.
– **For downhill parking:** Point your wheels toward the kerb. If the vehicle rolls, the front wheel will wedge against the kerb, making it extremely tricky for someone to drive off with ease and also preventing uncontrolled rolling into traffic.
– **On flat ground:** Even without a slope, angling your wheels sharply in either direction can create significant steering resistance. Any unauthorised driver attempting to make a quick getaway will first have to battle with a car that won’t drive smoothly, increasing the chances of detection.
While adopting this habit means taking a few extra seconds to straighten your wheels before driving off, Urbonas argues that the trade-off is worthwhile. “Once it becomes routine, the minor inconvenience pales in comparison to the peace of mind and potential savings it provides.”
Urbonas also shared additional theft-prevention tips that require no special equipment or outlay. Parking in reverse, for instance, can prove less convenient for an opportunistic thief looking to get away quickly. Removing visible valuables from your vehicle – such as electronics or chargers – can prevent your car from being seen as a worthwhile target. And, if your car is equipped with a steering lock, it’s well worth engaging it every time you leave your vehicle.
According to Urbonas, the majority of car thefts are not carried out by sophisticated criminal networks, but by opportunists who are likely to bypass any vehicle that presents even the slightest complication. “The best defence is often to make your car appear more troublesome to steal than the others nearby,” he observed.
“This technique doesn’t require any high-tech investment, and its effectiveness lies in exploiting the psychology of car thieves,” he continued. “By instilling just a little inconvenience, you’re encouraging thieves to look elsewhere – all without spending a thing.”
While technological advancements like alarms and GPS trackers certainly have their role in deterring car theft, Urbonas’s suggestions remind motorists that small daily habits can play a significant part in protecting their vehicles. As theft tactics continue to evolve, a low-cost, common-sense approach might be the most reliable first line of defence.