Vehicle Watch is a free scheme which you can register for at your local police station. The scheme allows drivers to protect their car or van at times when it is not usually in use, for instance, at night time, or in the day when you are at work. According to when you require your vehicle to be watched, either by day (10am to 4.30pm) or by night (12.30am- 5am) you will be issued with a coloured sticker for display on your car. Vehicle owners involved in the day scheme will have an orange sticker whilst those involved in the night scheme will have a yellow one. If a police officer spots your car being driven during times which it should not be then he or she will attempt to stop and question the driver. If the vehicle is being unlawfully driven then action will be taken.

The scheme is very simple, yet effective. Moreover, it’s free. All you need to do is complete a membership form at your local MPS police station, providing details of your name, address and vehicle. You will need to prove your vehicle ownership, but that is all. After your membership has been processed your car will be allocated with the appropriate sticker and you can start leaving your car on its own with complete peace of mind.

Such schemes are really worthwhile in terms of the obvious peace of mind and security benefits described above but its also worth thinking about the less obvious spin-offs. Where your car insurance is concerned, by taking proactive measures to deter theft you are actively working to build up you no claims bonus. In other words better security measures can contribute to cheaper car insurance premiums.