Preventing Theft of and from Motor Vehicles in Singapore
Singapore Police guidance for securing cars, vans, lorries and motorcycles against vehicle theft and theft of valuables from a vehicle.
Primary source: https://www.police.gov.sg/Advisories/Theft-And-Property-Crime/Motor-Vehicle-Theft
Two kinds of theft
The Traffic Police handbook distinguishes motor vehicle theft (MVT), where the vehicle is taken, from theft from vehicle (TFV), where property is taken from inside a vehicle. Its security guidance covers both risks and separates measures for motorcycles, cars and all vehicle owners (SPF, Basic Theory of Driving handbook, Part C, p. 88).
Before leaving a vehicle
The Police advise parking in a well-lit area, removing the ignition key, securing the doors and windows, and not leaving a key or transponder unattended. The Police also advise removing cash cards, keys and other valuables, including laptops and mobile phones, before leaving a motor vehicle (SPF, Motor Vehicle Theft; SPF, Duo Arrested For Their Suspected Involvement In Theft Of Motor Vehicle, 7 August 2026).
Cars, vans and lorries
For a car, van or lorry, the SPF crime-prevention advisory recommends an anti-theft alarm system, an in-vehicle camera and a vehicle immobiliser. It lists steering-wheel, clutch, brake and gear locks as additional locks that owners may install (SPF, Motor Vehicle Theft).
The same advisory suggests engraving the vehicle registration number on the windscreen (SPF, Motor Vehicle Theft).
The Traffic Police handbook also advises keeping valuables out of sight or locking them in the car boot if they need to remain in the vehicle. These are Police prevention recommendations; they do not guarantee that a vehicle or its contents cannot be stolen (SPF, Basic Theory of Driving handbook, Part C, p. 88).
Motorcycles
For a motorcycle, the handbook advises removing the ignition key and using the handle lock even for a short absence. It lists front-wheel safety, handlebar, brake or disc, and cable locks as additional locking options. It also recommends covering the motorcycle with a canvas secured at both ends, considering an alarm or immobiliser, and removing the CashCard from the In-Vehicle Unit (IU) when leaving the motorcycle (SPF, Basic Theory of Driving handbook, Part C, p. 88).
The current SPF motorcycle-theft advisory additionally lists front-wheel safety, cable, disc-and-sprocket, and shackle locks. A recent Police notice also recommends an anti-theft alarm, a motorcycle canvas secured at both ends, and additional locks such as a disc-brake lock; it says spare keys or transponders should not be left in motorcycle storage compartments (SPF, Motor Vehicle Theft; SPF, Three Teenagers Arrested For Theft Of Motor Vehicle Within 9 Hours, 12 October 2026).
The handbook also suggests marking major motorcycle parts with security markings such as the vehicle registration number, or installing a suspension guard to make removal of the motorcycle’s suspension more difficult (SPF, Basic Theory of Driving handbook, Part C, p. 88).
General vigilance
The handbook advises looking around when parking, choosing a well-lit or prominent location with more human traffic where possible, and being alert to suspicious people loitering in car parks. Its summary mnemonic is “Lock, Look and Leave”: lock the vehicle and keep valuables out of sight, look around when parking, then leave the vehicle secured (SPF, Basic Theory of Driving handbook, Part C, p. 88).
Coverage debt
- These are Police crime-prevention recommendations, not a guarantee against theft or a complete guide to insurance, police-reporting or vehicle-recovery procedures.