RAC Auto Windscreens is targeting company car drivers in the fight to keep car crime down - with an offer to fleet managers.

The 2005 RAC Report on Motoring found that nearly half of company car drivers have been broken into at some point.

In light of these findings, RAC Auto Windscreens is encouraging company drivers to leave nothing on display in their vehicle with its new Safe Case, a large record-style bag.

The Safe Case is made of reinforced nylon and is big enough to store the contents of a briefcase. It can easily be locked out of sight in the boot or carried using either the handle or shoulder strap.

Bill Duffy, RAC Auto Windscreens’ managing director, said: 'Company car drivers are an easy target for thieves as many tend to use their car as their office. The contents of their briefcase tend to be high value and provide rich pickings for the opportunistic thief. We want to encourage drivers to leave nothing on display, so the Safe Case has been designed to accommodate the needs of the modern fleet driver.'

To ensure you do not add to the statistics, follow these safety tips recommended by RAC Auto Windscreens and the Home Office:

  • Don’t leave anything on display (even when you are parked in your driveway). That includes a jacket on the back seat, loose change in the ashtray, a chequebook in the glove compartment or mail with your address on it under the seat. Remember: thieves know all the usual hiding places!
  • If you’re leaving valuables in the boot of your car, make sure you put them in at the start of the journey, not when you park you car. You don’t know who could be watching!
  • Always keep your car locked. This includes closing the sunroof and windows, even if you only leave it for a few seconds.
  • Don’t leave anything in your car, particularly when it’s parked overnight. 63% of thefts of and from vehicles happen when they are parked outside the home.
  • Park with care. Park in busy or well-lit areas near CCTV cameras or in police-approved car parks (look out for ‘ParkMarkTM’ on signs) if possible. You can find out which car parks are approved at www.saferparking.com
  • When you’re driving, keep doors locked and windows up, especially in slow traffic. A thief can lean in and steal what’s on your passenger seat in the time it takes for a red light to turn green.
  • Never leave car documents or spare keys inside the car.

  • RAC Auto Windscreens has 5,000 Safe Cases to give away to Fleet NewsNet users. To get your free Safe Case email fleetnews@emap.com.