Autumn holidaymakers 'losing thousands' due to one common motoring mistake

Brits heading on holiday this autumn risk returning to costly losses, with experts warning car thefts surge as criminals exploit unattended vehicles - particularly in September.

For many UK holidaymakers, September has become one of the most popular times to travel. With schools back in session and peak summer demand over, flights are cheaper and resorts less crowded, making the overall experience far less hectic.

However, security experts from Motor Guards UK have highlighted how this calm atmosphere doesn't extend to the streets back home. They warned that criminals are exploiting this quieter period to target cars left unattended for longer stretches, leaving motorists vulnerable to theft and break-ins.

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Recent data shows car-related crime rises sharply in the July to September quarter, with over 91,000 incidents recorded across the UK. This makes late summer into autumn the most active time of year for vehicle larceny and damage.

While those of us heading abroad are generally more focused on relaxation and snapping up some exotic bargains, large numbers return home to discover significant losses. Experts say car owners should be especially vigilant during this period.

"September holidays are a thief's dream," warned Mo Rafique, vehicle security specialist at Motor Guards UK. "They know cars are left untouched for longer, they know families are away, and they know keyless entry systems and standard alarms are easy to exploit. Criminals don't take a holiday, and they're counting on you letting your guard down once summer is over."

His point underlines a wider problem faced by modern motorists, many of whom rely entirely on factory-installed alarm systems and assume advances in car technology make theft more difficult. But the reality is that police forces continue to stress how organised gangs have refined ways of bypassing these standard measures.

Superintendent Matthew Moscrop of the National Police Chiefs' Council said: "The widespread use of keyless technology has unfortunately led to the development of devices which are easily accessible and make stealing vehicles all too straightforward for criminals.

"We're working with the Home Office and Government to establish how we could put a stop to the sale of these devices which would certainly make life much more difficult for thieves, reducing the tactics available to them. We also regularly engage with vehicle manufacturers on theft prevention and security features to protect vehicles."

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But fear not, Motor Guards UK has come up with a simple three-step checklist before locking up and heading off on vacation. The first measure is to keep keyless car keys in a signal-blocking pouch. This low-cost accessory prevents thieves from amplifying the fob's signal, one of the most common methods used in cloning and boosting attacks.

The second is to consider fitting a tracker, as modern GPS systems drastically improve recovery chances. In many cases, stolen vehicles with trackers are located within hours of being reported missing.

The final step is to review your alarm system. Many factory alarms are basic. It's also a good idea to check it is fully operational. Upgrading to a more advanced model is an effective way of protecting your vehicle during longer absences.

Additional advice includes ensuring your home looks lived-in while you are away, setting lights on timers and asking a neighbour to pop in. Moving bins and collecting post can also deter the wrong kind of attention.

Another important reminder is never to leave official documents like a V5 logbook or proof of ownership inside the vehicle. Doing so can make it much easier for criminals to resell stolen cars.

With criminals continuing to adapt, Brit holidaymakers are being urged to make sure the vehicles they leave behind are safe and sound, or run the risk of returning from a relaxing September break to losses running into thousands of pounds — turning a dream holiday into a costly nightmare.

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