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The definition of auto theft and how to prevent it

Auto theft is a very common thing within the UK; however cars are getting a lot harder to steal nowadays with modern technology.

The legal definition of theft is 'the dishonest appropriation of property belonging to another with the intention to permanently deprive the other of it', this was set out in the 1968 theft act. In plain and simple English it means to take someone’s property without them knowing and having the intention to never give it back to them, and auto theft is just relating to a car been stolen instead of other property, simple right?

Yet car owners aren't too sure what the full legal meaning of this is and some are even unsure of their rights to the car. Some of the most commonly asked questions about auto theft are can I steal my own car? and how can I prevent becoming a victim of auto theft?

The answer to the first questions is yes you can steal your own car! As crazy as this may sound it's possible as you don't always have sole ownership or rights to your car. Ever taken your car to a garage to be repaired before? Most have and you will know that you only pay for the service once it has been carried out. However if you refuse to pay after the work has been done a garage has the right to keep your car until you do.

Now you will be thinking how does this answer the question of can you steal your own car? You can then steal your car back from the garage without paying your bill and hence you have stolen your own car. Not something I would recommend you do, it's just a question most people are curious about.

The other question that is mentioned above is how can I prevent auto theft? You can't always 100% prevent auto theft; however you can take certain steps to lessen your chances of becoming a victim of it.

One way to prevent auto theft is to make sure you don't leave anything valuable on show through your car window as thieves will often see this and decide in the process of smashing your window to have a go at stealing your car as well. Driving schools Leeds are always reminding instructors and pupils to not leave anything valuable on show in their cars.

Another way to prevent your car from been stolen is by locking it away in a garage, or even on a drive with a locked gate. Anything to make it harder for people to steal your car will deter them from doing so as there are more obstacles in the way.

Auto theft is a common thing and knowing your rights and ownership, what auto theft is and how to prevent it is half the battle. Many driving schools in Leeds try to give out helpful tips like these to prevent you from becoming a victim of auto theft, keep a look out for more tips and take them all in to prevent it!

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