Vehicles

Car crime can involve cars, motorbikes, scooters and bicycles, including theft of vehicles and theft from vehicles. Most of it can be prevented.

Cars

• Lock the doors and close the windows when you leave the vehicle for any length of time.
• Don’t leave anything on display – even a pair of sunglasses can seem an appealing target for a thief.
• A steering lock can help secure older vehicles.
• Make a note of the vehicles chassis number.
• Keep your car keys in a safe place, when you are out and when you are at home, so someone breaking in cannot also steal your car.
• Tuck in side mirrors and remove the stereo if you can.

Motorbikes/Scooters

• Always lock your bike and set its alarm if it has one.
• When leaving your bike, try to lock it to something secure. At home, you can fit special attachments to lock your bike to.
• Use a motorbike cover.
• Have the vehicle marked with its vehicle identification number (VIN)
• Take a photograph of the item so it can be easily identified as yours.

Bicycles

• Use a good bike lock. D locks or combination locks are best.
• Lock your bike to something secure, even in your yard or garage.
• Lock up the frame of your bicycle and take removable parts such as wheels and lights with you.
• Take a photograph of the item so it can be easily identified as yours.

Car jacking – tips for travellers

Car jacking has become a high-profile crime in many metro areas. When traveling overseas you can avoid becoming a victim of car crime by:

• Keeping doors locked and windows up.
• Being aware of what people are doing around you, especially at stop lights or traffic lights.
• Using the middle lane, if there is one, when waiting at junctions or lights so the car is harder to reach from the sidewalk.
• Not stopping to help someone who has broken down (if you really want to help report the problem at the next gas station or police station).
• Driving to the next gas station or police station and reporting if someone tries to pull you over for no reason.

Buying a used car

Most car sellers are genuine, whether it is a private sale or through a dealer. However, some people are not genuine and may sell sub-standard or damaged cars. You can protect yourself by:

• Checking the registration documents and service history.
• Arranging to meet the person selling the car at their house, not at your house, or another meeting place.
• Checking identification and model numbers to make sure they match the documents and have not been removed.
• Having the car inspected and licensed before purchasing it or having a professional mechanic inspect the vehicle thoroughly.

For more information contact:

The Vehicle and Driver Licensing Department:
Crewe Road: (345) 945-8344
West Bay: (345) 949-7231
Cayman Brac: (345) 948-2222

Last Updated: 2011-02-01