1December2008

'Grinch'-stylethieves are preying on cash-strapped Christmas shoppers by breaking intoparked cars and stealing their presents, according to AA .

"Asbusy shoppers rush around buying for loved ones, often leaving valuable giftsin the car, we are seeing a noticeable increase in break-in claims," saysSimon Douglas, Director of AA ."We expectclaims for thefts from cars to increase by up to 10 per cent over December andJanuary.

"We?reurging shoppers to be extra vigilant when doing last minute shopping to makesure they are not inviting thieves, for whom the season is about anything butgoodwill.

"Bytaking extra care about how and where you park and not leaving valuable itemson display you can greatly reduce the risk of falling prey to Grinch-stylethieveswho will not hesitate to steal your Christmas," Simon Douglas adds.

Accordingto Police, property is stolen from cars every 13 seconds in the UK and about athird of all vehicle crime happens in car parks.

DetectiveSergeant Matt Jarman, of Thames Valley Police, says: "Car security is inthe main common sense. Drivers can find themselves easily distracted,especially if they are trying to manage young children as well as the shopping.So security of the car and personal property in it is not the number onepriority. On occasions, expensive losses can be the result of simpleforgetfulness. By working together, car owners and Police can make surecriminals don't have a happy Christmas at our expense."

How toreduce the risk of a car breakin

?             willgenerally provide limited cover for personal effects in the car (?250 with AA Insurance, rising to ?500 for AA members). Higherlevels of cover (from ?2,500 to ?10,000 or more) are available if you make sureyour home insurance covers personal effects outside the home

?           Try to avoid storing purchases in the car as you continue shopping. It is farbetter to collect items at the end of your outing. Most shops will keep itemsyou have bought for you or even arrange delivery

?            If you do have to leave items in the car, make sure they are secured out ofsight. Otherwise you may fail to meet the terms and conditions ofyour   policy by not taking all reasonable steps to protect your carfrom loss or damage

?            Close the windows and sun roof, lock the doors and activate any securitydevices when leaving your car

?            Make sure you don't accidentally activate the 'unlock' button on your keytransponder as you put your keys in your pocket or handbag

?            Be careful where you park. It's worth paying extra for a decent car park thatis well lit, with

?            Watch out for pay and display ? a ticket in your windscreen saying you havebought four hours suggests you won't be back for a long time

?            Try reversing into parking spaces close to a wall so it is difficult forthieves to open the boot or tailgate