May 19, 2025 Connor James

Do Bollards Prevent Car Theft?

Car thefts are rife in the UK and, with car technologies getting more advanced, criminals are also catching up and becoming smarter. Many criminals have, unfortunately, developed smart techniques to bypass a vehicle’s anti-theft devices. This has led to car thefts becoming a huge problem for all car owners across the country. They can easily target any make or model of car and take your prized possession away from you. This is a very scary thought and, for most, one that can’t be a reality.

However, there’s no need to worry about your car falling into the wrong hands behind the wheel. There are ways to protect your car and prevent car theft to keep your vehicle safe and sound, stopping any thief from stealing from you. At Bison, we understand the determination to keep your vehicle secure and we know your car can be a lifeline for you. This is why we have compiled a guide that helps you protect your vehicle and understand the importance of bollards, answering the common question of do bollards prevent car theft?

How to prevent car theft

If you’re stuck on how to prevent car theft, don’t worry, as Bison has your back! There are many ways you can prevent your car from being stolen. These are quick and easy methods to implement in your daily life that will keep your car secure, allowing you to relax and sleep soundly at night.

Avoid relay attacks

Many car thieves use the technique of a relay attack, which you need to do your best to avoid. This is when two criminals work together to steal your car while using electronic signal relay devices. One of the thieves will use the device to pick up your key’s signal from inside the home. This device transfers that signal from your key to a second box that is placed next to your vehicle. The signal will trick your car into unlocking because it will assume that the key is there. Once unlocked, the second thief can get behind the wheel and drive off with your car.

You need to avoid this possibility by doing everything you can to stop the signal. The signal from your keys can pass through walls, windows and doors, but it can’t pass through metal. To stop the signal from being picked up by criminals, place your keys in a metal box, safe or signal-blocking wallet to put an end to a relay attack.

Don’t rely on the key fob

It is very easy to lock your car using the key fob and walk away after the distinctive locking noise and flash of the indicator lights. However, it’s important not to rely solely on your key fob. Whether your car makes a noise and flashes or shows pins on the inside of the windows that lower when locked, or even all of them, you need to check your car after locking it. Check that every door, including the boot, is actually locked before you walk away. This may be time-consuming and a little annoying, but it’s worth it in case your car has a locking fault or a thief has used a jammer.

Jammers can be used to interrupt the signal between your fob and car, meaning when you press the lock button, it doesn’t lock. This leaves your vehicle vulnerable to thieves. They are discreet when used too, as thieves place them in their pockets, bushes or at the side of a car park.

Park in a safe area

When parking your vehicle, it’s important to carefully consider where is best to park. Don’t just go to the first available parking spot when going anywhere in your car. Try to find a space that is in an open, public area and that is well-lit. For car parks, choose ones that have robust security in a secure area. Check for security patrols and CCTV before parking up. Even though it may be nice to park away from the crowds, it is best to park where the majority of cars are. Doing all of this makes your vehicle less of a target to car thieves.

Make sure no belongings are visible in your car

Keeping your belongings in your car makes your vehicle a huge target for vandalism and theft. If you have belongings that are visible, thieves are likely to smash your windows to get what’s inside or try the door to steal the car and your belongings together. To prevent this, it’s safer to take all of your belongings with you when you leave your car. It is also a good idea to remove the shelf in your boot to highlight that your car has nothing in it to steal for criminals.

Keep your car keys in a safe place

Your car keys are one of the most important things to keep safe, stopping thieves from taking them and stealing your car. Car technology has become robust and super secure. Due to this, stealing car keys is becoming a common occurrence for easier access to your car. Make sure to never leave your keys unattended when you’re in public and try not to have them dangling from your hands or pockets as they can be swiped. At home, put them in a safe place that is out of sight and out of reach. Try to stop leaving them near the doorway on hooks, as thieves can use a wire to hook your keys through the letterbox. Find a place that is hidden and safe, but don’t put them in your bedroom. Having them in your bedroom can put you at risk, not just your car.

Don’t leave your car running unattended

Leaving your car running unattended can be a common occurrence. Maybe you’re trying to de-ice your car on a cold winter’s morning or forgot something in your house, so you run back in while your car is running. Doing this leaves your car wide open to theft. The ignition is on and the doors are unlocked, which basically hands the car over to thieves. Make sure that you’re with your car when you’re de-icing on a cold morning. If you need to quickly run into the home, switch your car off and lock it before leaving it.

How to prevent keyless car theft

Keyless car theft is common and can feel unavoidable, leaving you wondering how to prevent keyless car theft. However, it can be prevented, and you can easily keep your car secure with simple methods that work. Keyless car theft is a relay attack where thieves use electronic signal relay devices to get the signal from your key fob to unlock the vehicle. There are ways to block this signal from your key to your car by protecting the key fob and keeping it safe.

Use a signal blocking wallet to block the signal. These have metal in which the signal can’t pass through.
Store them in a metal tin.
Put a steering wheel lock or car alarm in your vehicle.
Get your windows etched.

Does car insurance cover car theft?

A common question many people have when it comes to car theft is, “Does car insurance cover car theft?” Car insurance can cover theft, depending on the type of cover you have for your car. There are usually three kinds of car insurance cover, which are third-party, third-party fire and theft, and fully comprehensive. With third-party fire and theft and fully comprehensive cover, your insurance will pay out if your car is stolen. However, if you only have third-party cover, you won’t get a pay out when your car is stolen.

Are car thefts on the rise?

Car thefts are on the rise, with the numbers of stolen vehicles rising dramatically since 2020. Cars being stolen in the UK reached an increase of at least 50 percent in some areas in 2023. This figure constantly dips and rises, meaning that anyone’s vehicle can be at risk. It’s essential to protect your car from theft to prevent your vehicle from being taken.

How to protect your car from theft

As well as actions to prevent your car from being stolen, there are methods you can use that protect your car. So, if you’re wondering how to protect your car from theft, then use our suggestions below.

Use bollards

Anti car theft bollards are a very effective way to protect your vehicle as they not only block your car from being taken, but they also act as a visual deterrent. It shows thieves that there’s no chance for them to take the car, which stops them from attempting. You can get the installed on your driveway or around your parking area to keep your car safe overnight. Telescopic and fixed steel bollards are the best long-term security solution and have been proven over the years. Car dealerships have used them for many years, and they have stopped stock from being taken!

Use locks

You can use locks in your car to act as a visual deterrent to thieves. It is a great way to make thieves stop and think twice about attempting to steal your car. Many car thieves want an easy target, so having visible locks shows that it’s a lot of work to take your vehicle. Put a strong lock on the steering wheel to deter criminals, and even put locks on pedals and the gearstick for further protection.

Add a car alarm or tracking device

Many modern cars come with a car alarm that goes off when someone breaks into your vehicle. This can stop thieves in their tracks and protect your car from theft. A car alarm attracts attention to what the criminals are doing, so if your car doesn’t have one, add one for extra security. You can also put a tracking device in your car. This won’t stop it from being stolen, but it will help you track it and find it if it gets stolen.

Have security cameras

Around your home and your car, it is ideal to set up security cameras to keep an eye on your vehicle at all times. You could set them up facing your car or use a dashcam with parking mode. These will record any suspicious activity around your car and notify you if someone is attempting to steal it. Having visible cameras can protect your vehicle from theft as they act as a deterrent. They can also catch any thieves in the act of trying to take your car.