Secure Your Customised Mobility Vehicle at Home
The rate of vehicle theft in Australia dropped by eight per cent in recent times, however the number of stolen vehicles is still astounding, as per records from Car Safe Australia. While members of the law enforcement are doing their best to fix this problem, about 80 per cent of light to moderate transportations, including customised mobility vehicles, are still at risk of theft. Fifteen per cent of these vehicles are motorcycles or scooters, a common type of mobility vehicle.
Cases of stolen customised mobility vehicles
It might be hard to believe that thieves would think of stealing transportation that senior citizens and people with a physical disability use, but you learn stories of these thefts in the news more often than you thought possible. In many cases, thieves steal the vehicles from right under the safety of the owners’ homes.
Sometime in July 2018, the Queensland Times reported about thieves who took the mobility scooter of an 85-yearold man with onset dementia. The elderly left the keys to his vehicle as it was charging on its pod in the garage of his retirement home. Because his mobility scooter looked like any typical motorbike, it didn’t matter to the thieves that the man who owned it needed the wheeled machine to get around town since he’s no longer able to drive.
Another case was reported in April where a mum realised her daughter’s custom wheelchair was stolen from inside her Honda Jazz while the car was parked inside their garage. According to The Chronicle, police suspected that the burglars were kids who didn’t know the value of the wheelchair to a patient who has Rett syndrome.
Theft-proof ways for your customised mobility vehicle
Apart from its use and purpose, a customised mobility vehicle costs a considerable amount of money. It’s also not readily available in stores in case you need to buy one if it were stolen. Because of its special design and features, there’s a waiting list for its service and acquisition to get it customised.
It’s important, therefore, to secure this asset in your property and here are some suggested theft-proof ways:
1. Keep it out of sight.
Keep the vehicle out of sight from onlookers who could easily drive off with it from the garage. It’s so easy for people with bad intentions to quietly push a mobility scooter, for example, away from your house before you realise it’s gone.
2. Put wheel clamps on.
If your mobility scooter doesn’t have any key or starter ignition, you might want to use either a wheel clamp to lock the wheels in place. If you don’t want to use a wheel clamp, consider a long chain with padlocks so that there’s no way for a thief to roll the vehicle away from your house.
3. Install an alarm system.
Whether your vehicle is a customised van or motorbike, consider fitting an audible alarm system if it’s not yet part of the features. The noise from the alarm is an effective deterrent against potential thefts. It will also alert you to check what’s happening in your parking area.
4. Set up security cameras.
Consider putting a security camera in your carport and driveway so that you can monitor this area at all times. It’s a small investment that will benefit you in a big way as it can give you peace of mind.
5. Add a barrier.
If you have to park your customised mobility vehicle in a slightly visible area, try to keep it concealed with a cover. You might need to put a safety barrier as well if you don’t have a garage or shed in your property, and then keep this barrier locked.
6. Get insurance.
Lastly, consider getting insurance for your specialised car so you can recoup your loses in case of theft. However, be discerning when it comes to the coverage as some insurance have other conditions that might not be properly outlined in the fine print. Ask questions before signing up for a policy so you know you’re well informed.
Do you or someone you love need a customised mobility vehicle? Check out our options here at Motoring Mobility or give us a call for more enquiries.