Preventing theft of and from motor vehicles
SPF advises drivers to secure unattended vehicles, keep valuables out of sight, and use suitable anti-theft devices; motorcycle owners should also remove keys and transponders from storage compartments.
Primary source: https://www.police.gov.sg/Advisories/Theft-And-Property-Crime/Motor-Vehicle-Theft
Preventing theft of and from motor vehicles
The Singapore Police Force (SPF) publishes prevention advice for vehicle theft. Its guidance applies across cars, vans, lorries and motorcycles, with additional measures for motorcycles in recent Police advisories (SPF, Motor Vehicle Theft; SPF, Three Teenagers Arrested for Theft of Motor Vehicle Within 9 Hours, 12 October 2026).
Secure the vehicle when leaving it
SPF advises parking in a well-lit area, securing all windows and doors, and removing the ignition key even when leaving the vehicle briefly. For a motorcycle, remove the ignition key and lock it whenever it is unattended. Do not leave spare keys or transponders in a motorcycle storage compartment (SPF, Motor Vehicle Theft; SPF, Three Teenagers Arrested for Theft of Motor Vehicle Within 9 Hours, 12 October 2026).
Protect valuables left in a vehicle
SPF's Basic Theory of Driving handbook advises drivers not to leave valuables such as cash cards, briefcases, handbags, laptops or handphones exposed in a car. If these items must remain in the vehicle, the handbook says to keep them out of sight or locked in the boot (SPF, Basic Theory of Driving handbook (2024), para. 277).
Consider added security
SPF lists vehicle alarms, in-vehicle cameras and immobilisers as possible additional security. It also lists steering-wheel, clutch, brake and gear locks for cars, vans and lorries. For motorcycles, SPF lists front-wheel safety locks, cable locks, disc and sprocket locks, and shackle locks (SPF, Motor Vehicle Theft).
For motorcycles, Police advisories also recommend parking in well-lit areas, maintaining an alarm, using additional locking devices such as disc-brake locks, and covering the motorcycle with a canvas secured at both ends. The October 2026 advisory also recommends considering a suspension guard (SPF, Three Teenagers Arrested for Theft of Motor Vehicle Within 9 Hours, 12 October 2026).
Coverage debt
- SPF's live advisory lists engraving the vehicle registration number on the windscreen. It does not explain the method, suitable locations, or whether the practice applies to all vehicle types; those details are not expanded here.
- The handbook and Police advisories list preventive measures but do not quantify how much each device or practice reduces theft risk.
- This article gives crime-prevention guidance. It does not explain the legal definition or penalties for motor-vehicle theft.