I’m a motoring expert – a common wing mirror mistake could cost you thousands

MOTORISTS are being warned not to make this common wing mirror mistake that could mark your car for criminals.

Drivers that accidentally leave their wing mirrors out is the most common way for thieves to spot an open car, it has been revealed.

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Brits convicted of stealing from cars have spoken to university researchers to explain the green flags they looked for.

And they revealed the number one way they would pick a target would simply be drivers simply failing to check if they locked their car, the Telegraph has reported.

Former police officer Kevin Floyd, a criminologist at Huddersfield University, was one of those who spoke to the convicted car thieves in prison.

He told the Telegraph: “Open wing mirrors equate in the thief’s mind with an open door. It’s as simple as that. It’s a green flag.”

“It’s as easy as walking along the street,” added the former copper.

“They don’t want to try the doors because they are so sensitive they will set off an alarm – but if the mirrors are open, then it’s confirmation the car is unlocked and no alarm will go off.”

Jack Cousens, the head of roads policy at the AA, said: “Looking out for modern cars without their wing mirrors folded in is quite a cheeky trick for thieves.

“Sometimes the simplest thing is the biggest giveaway.

“While wing mirrors will just blend into the background for passers-by and car owners, open mirrors must stand out like a sore thumb to the miscreants.

“If that wasn’t enough, drivers often just press the buttons on the key fob and trust the airwaves that their car has been locked.

“However, thieves have now got their hands on signal blocking technology allowing them to intercept the request from the key, meaning drivers walk away unknowingly leaving the car unlocked.

“Waiting an extra five seconds to check the mirrors and handle is all that’s needed to ensure the car is locked before walking away.”

Jenny Sims, the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s expert on car crime, told The Telegraph that Office for National Statistics figures found an alarming 22 per cent increase in the theft of vehicles.

Last year, car thefts increased from around 90,000 to nearly 110,000, equating to around 300 per day.

Britain’s worst areas for car theft were recently revealed in a study, with London dominating the rankings.

In fact, nearly 10% of all crimes recorded in the capital involve a vehicle.

Jenny said: “Locking your vehicle, even when filling up or parked on your drive, greatly reduces the possibility of it being targeted by an opportunist thief.

“Even if you have locked your vehicle, check you haven’t left any windows or the sunroof open.

“Vehicles today are by and large more difficult to steal than ever, unless the thief can access your key or fob to clone them.

“Keep your keys safe, out of view when at home, and away from your front door.”