A NEW survey on car security has shown the most effective way for company drivers to protect their vehicles is to look after their keys.

The survey produced by What Car? suggests that new cars are safer than ever and found that out of 60 new cars tested, none could be driven away without the keys and almost half could not be broken into.

In almost every case, the survey found the easiest way to get past a security system was to steal the vehicle's keys.

The publication claims that as a result of these tougher security measures, the nature of car crime is changing, with thieves finding new ways to steal vehicles including carjacking and poking fishing rods through letterboxes to hook car keys off a hall table.

In terms of test results, the study found that for the fourth year running Lexus led the way in car security, with three of its models all scoring a maximum 100 points. Points are awarded for: entry tests (20), drive away test (25), deadlocks (5), visible vehicle identification number (VIN) (10), marked parts (10), stereo security (10), etched windows (5), secure boot (5), locking wheel nuts (5) and secure spare wheel (5).

Commenting on the findings, Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders chief executive Christopher Macgowan said: 'This news confirms that the industry is doing its bit. The fact that none of the cars could be driven away should be comforting news to new car buyers in Britain.

'Nevertheless, we need to be clear that car crime is a major problem, and we all have a clear responsibility to make sure we take steps to make stealing cars, new or old, a thing of the past.'

Top performers include
Make Points Entry time
Lexus IS300 100 -
Lexus LS430 100 -
Lexus SC430 100 -
BMW 318i SE 95 -
Nissan Maxima QX 3.0 SE+ 95 -
Skoda Superb 2.5 TDI Comfort 95 -
Toyota Camry CDX V6 95 -
Audi A4 1.9 TDI SE 90 -
BMW 735i 90 -
BMW X5 3.0d 90 -

Worst performers include
Make Points Entry time
Mercedes SL500 65 29 seconds
Peugeot 206 HDI D turbo 65 20 seconds
MINI One 60 50 seconds
Ford Maverick V6 XLT 3.0 60 32 seconds
Suzuki Liana 1.6 GLX 60 28 seconds
Vauxhall VX220 60 18 seconds
Jeep Cherokee 3.7 Limited 60 9 seconds
Toyota Corolla T Sport 60 8 seconds
Suzuki Wagon R+ 1.3 GL 50 48 seconds
Daihatsu YRV F-speed 50 12 seconds