Instructions for preventing vehicle theft and what to do if a crime takes place

A car or other vehicle is a matter of course for many of us. You are used to its existence and daily routines are often dependent on it. If you have never become victim of a property crime, you may not even think of protecting yourself against vehicle theft. Stealing a vehicle can be made as difficult as possible. With various proactive measures, you can make things easier for yourself, if theft takes place anyway.

You can protect yourself from vehicle theft in the following ways

Regularly check your vehicle’s basic security systems (e.g. locks, key storage, alarm systems) and learn to use them.
Do not attach the vehicle make or the owner’s contact details to the key of your vehicle.
When planning and installing an alarm system, it is worth only using devices and installation professionals that are approved by insurance companies.
Always lock your vehicle doors, even if you only leave the vehicle for a moment. Remember to also close the windows.
Always take your vehicle keys with you, do not leave them in the ignition even at a service station.
Avoid parking in isolated and dark areas.
Do not store the notification section of the registration document in the car, because this enables the owner to be changed.
Do not leave a bag or anything else interesting visible in the vehicle – it will tempt a thief.
A vehicle is not the suitable place for storing any valuable items. If you do, however, have to, place the items out of sight. Use a boot cover, if you have a lot of things in your vehicle.

You can protect yourself from motorbike theft in the following ways

Lock the motorbike whenever you leave it somewhere even for a short time.
Avoid leaving the motorbike in areas that are prone to vandalism. Prefer public areas, where there are people around.
If possible, park your motorbike in such a way that you can see it, if necessary.
If you don’t take your helmet with you, when you leave the motorbike, lock the helmet to the bike.
You can improve the theft security of a moped or motorbike with disk brake locks.
- Disk brake locks are also available fitted with burglar alarms.
Ensure the safe storage of keys, so that the keys do not end up in the wrong hands.
A locked cable or chain attached to a fixed structure, such as a phone column, can prevent the unauthorised use of a moped or motorbike.
In case of the long-term storage of a moped or motorbike, a locked storage space should be considered. Remember to also lock your vehicle with its own locks, even if it is in locked premises.
Make sure you have an insurance cover for your moped or motorbike.

You can protect your bicycle from theft in the following ways

Make sure your bicycle has a lock that has been approved by insurance companies.
Use two locks for locking your bicycle. The bicycle’s own fixed lock prevents the use of the bicycle and a separate lock is used to prevent the bicycle from being taken.
A bicycle should always be locked even if it is left unused for just a moment or it is being stored in e.g. a bicycle storage room.
In case of theft, you should have a photo of the bicycle.
Make a note of your bicycle’s identification (make, model, colour, frame number and frame labelling) and store the details in a safe place.
Safety-tag your bicycle. A tag device can be borrowed from your insurance company or the tag can be installed at a bicycle shop or a police station.

You can protect your boat from theft in the following ways

A boat should be stored at a lit berth, which has access control preventing the access of third parties.
The boat should be locked to the platform and the outboard should be locked to the boat with a separate lock.
You should take a photo of the boat and make an inventory of the contents. Boat equipment can also be safety-tagged.
In order to prevent unauthorised motor ignitions, a component can be removed from the engine or the electrical circuit.
Make sure your insurance cover is up-to-date and clarify your policy’s compensation cover as well as the related protection instructions.

If your vehicle is stolen or it has been broken into

Inform the police of the theft immediately and ask for any instructions.
Take a copy of the crime report for yourself. The insurance company may later ask for a copy of the crime report.
Make a list of the items you have lost.
Find out the value of the stolen equipment from purchase receipts and warranty certificates.
Do not clean up any possible break in marks before the police have given you permission to clean.
When you have been given permission by the police, prevent any further damage to your vehicle by moving it, for example, to a secured area. Repair broken locks and windows as soon as possible.
Make a damages claim to your insurance company.
If necessary, contact Victim Support Finland, if you have any questions related to what has happened, which would like answers to or if you feel the need to discuss what has happened.