At Barriers Direct, we sell Car Security: Steering Wheel & Handbrake Locks that are suitable in a variety of environments.
The Importance of Car Security
Car Theft Statistics in the UK
Car theft is a significant issue nationwide, affecting thousands of vehicle owners every year. Understanding the scope of the problem highlights the need for robust car security measures:
High Incidence: The UK sees over 100,000 reported cases of vehicle theft annually, according to recent statistics. This represents a substantial financial burden for both car owners and insurance companies.
Evolving Tactics: Car thieves continually adapt to modern vehicle security systems. While advanced technology offers protection, determined criminals may employ various methods to circumvent these systems.
Regional Variations: Car theft rates can vary across the UK, with urban areas generally experiencing higher levels of theft. However, no region is entirely immune, emphasising the importance of car security wherever you are.
Steering Wheel Locks: Your First Line of Defence
Understanding Steering Wheel Locks
Steering wheel locks, often referred to as "club" or "crook" locks, are mechanical devices designed to attach securely to the steering wheel of your vehicle. They serve as a visible deterrent and prevent thieves from turning the steering wheel, making it nearly impossible to steer and drive the car. Installing a steering wheel lock means you are combining a physical barrier with the existing safety mechanisms your car already offers such as immobilisers and alarms, to protect yourself with maximum security.
Benefits of Steering Wheel Locks
Visible Deterrence: The primary advantage of steering wheel locks is their visibility. Potential thieves are discouraged from attempting theft when they see this additional layer of protection.
Ease of Use: Steering wheel locks are user-friendly and straightforward to install and remove. This accessibility makes them suitable for all car owners.
Universal Fit: Most steering wheel locks are designed to fit a wide range of vehicle types. This universality ensures that you can use them on multiple vehicles if needed. If you're unsure please do contact us, we'd be more than happy to assist you.
How Steering Wheel Locks Function
Steering wheel locks operate on a simple principle. When attached, they secure the steering wheel, preventing it from turning more than a few degrees in either direction. This limited range of motion makes it incredibly difficult for a thief to steer the car, even if they manage to start the engine.
Tips for Effective Use of Steering Wheel Locks
Quality Matters: Invest in a high-quality steering wheel lock with features such as tamper-resistant locks and durable materials, particularly in the unpredictable UK weather. Barriers Direct stock only top-quality products from leading UK suppliers, so make sure you're buying with reassurance.
Proper Installation: Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation to ensure your steering wheel lock functions correctly.
Consistency: Make using your steering wheel lock a habit every time you leave your vehicle, even for quick stops.
Parking Strategy: Whenever possible, park your car in well-lit, populated areas, especially in urban areas with higher theft rates where criminals will be more wary about being spotted by others.
Additional Security: Consider complementing your steering wheel lock with a car alarm system for added security, as many steering wheel locks can be used alongside alarms.
Handbrake Locks: Reinforcing Your Car Security
Handbrake locks, also known as parking brake locks or gear shift locks, are another essential component of car security in the UK. These locks prevent the handbrake lever or gear shift from being released, effectively immobilizing your vehicle.
Key Advantages of Handbrake Locks
Double Protection: When used in conjunction with a steering wheel lock, handbrake locks provide an additional layer of security, making it even more challenging for thieves to steal your car.
Immobilisation: Handbrake locks immobilise your car, making it impossible for thieves to move it, even if they manage to start the engine.
Ease of Use: Similar to steering wheel locks, handbrake locks are easy to install and remove, making them suitable for all car owners.
How Handbrake Locks Operate
Handbrake locks function by preventing the release of the handbrake lever or the gear shift, depending on the design. Once engaged, these locks effectively "lock" your car in place, rendering the wheels immobile.
Tips for Effective Use of Handbrake Locks
Choose the Right Type: Select a handbrake lock that suits your vehicle's configuration. Some locks are designed for automatic transmissions, while others are for manual transmissions.
Proper Installation: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation to ensure your handbrake lock functions correctly, especially in the often wet UK climate.
Use Both Locks: For maximum security, use both a steering wheel lock and a handbrake lock simultaneously. Thieves will be deterred by the multiple layers of protection.
Regular Inspection: Periodically inspect your handbrake lock for signs of wear or damage and replace it if necessary to maintain optimal security.
Of course, it's not just cars that are targeted by opportunists - bikes are too, from scooters to push bikes and motorcycles. We offer a range of secure bike parking solutions, including bike racks for effective storing, wall-mounted bike stands if ground space is at a premium, bike shelters which can be installed in most outdoor spaces, and motorcycle stands or scooter racks for anchoring securely to the ground.
Additional Car Security Measures in the UK
While steering wheel and handbrake locks are highly effective, it's worth considering the following additional security measures to further protect your vehicle in the UK:
Featured Products
At Barriers Direct, security isn't just a product
it's a promise
At Barriers Direct we stock a huge range of bollards, barriers, bike stands and street furniture. With a wide range of products to choose from, you will find just what you need in our store. Our products are ideal for a variety of settings including industrial, residential, commercial and public places. Whatever your budget, we have the solution to fit your needs.
ABOUT US
Why Choose
Barriers Direct?
Largest range in the UK
In stock and ready to deliver
Low prices guaranteed
With generous bulk discounts
Free delivery in Great Britain
And no hidden costs
Proudly supplying our customers for over 27 years
Over 1.2 Million Orders Shipped Since 1997
We value our customers, and are proud to offer them high quality products with exceptional customer service. Constantly looking for more to add to our large choice. Barriers Direct is the leading Company in its industry with the largest range of products with great reviews - Please take a look for yourself today.
Barriers
“Service rating : Vey pleased with all aspects of customer service. Product : Complete solution, even down to supplying the anchor bolts, very impressed.”
Bollards
“Service rating : Efficient service, good website. Product : Good quality product at a reasonable price”
Traffic Management
“Service rating : Excellent service quick turnaround from order to delivery. Product : Better than expected and perfect for the job”
Secure Bike Parking
“hi yes I ordered 2 sets of cycle racks 1x 4 cycle 1 x6 cycle they arrived a couple of days after ordering ( brilliant ) condition and appearance great assembly was quite easy so all in all I was very pleased with my purchase”
Street Furniture
“Well made: excellent. I’m using it to provide a guide through which the oil tanker driver can feed his hose to line up with our domestic oil tank at the back of the house.”
Workplace
“Service rating : Excellent Good communication and dispatch time. Product : It does exactly what we hoped - helps us see round corners”
Queue Barriers
“Service rating : Your service was second to non each item was explained and was given all the information i needed and delivery was prompt . Product : its a very good and exactly what i need”
Automatic Products
“very helpful regarding product knowledge and advise, prompt emails at every stage". "Excellent product and easy to install even though it was a 10m cantilevered gate”
Parking Posts & Residential
“Service rating : Ordered and delivered. That goes without saying, but there I had a query about additional keys which was sorted quickly and efficiently through 'web chat'. Product : These were purchased to reserve parking spaces for paid users and for this they're fine. Wouldn't stop a ram raid but that's not their intended use.”
