DRIVERS have been given an urgent warning over a common wing mirror mistake that could cost thousands.
Accidentally leaving your wing mirrors out is the most common way for thieves to spot an open car, it has been revealed.
Brits convicted of stealing from cars spoke to university researchers to explain how they make their mark.
They revealed the best targets are drivers whose cars haven't been locked in the first place.
And a tell-tale sign that a car hasn't been locked up is it's wing mirrors, it has been revealed.
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The mirrors automatically fold when most modern cars are locked. If a modern car's wing mirror is out and no one is inside, it likely means the owner has forgotten to lock it.
Former police officer Kevin Floyd, a criminologist at Huddersfield University, told the Telegraph: “Open wing mirrors equate in the thief’s mind with an open door. It’s as simple as that. It’s a green flag.
“It’s as easy as walking along the street.
“They don’t want to try the doors because they are so sensitive they will set off an alarm – but if the mirrors are open, then it’s confirmation the car is unlocked and no alarm will go off."
Jack Cousens, the head of roads policy at the AA, said: “Looking out for modern cars without their wing mirrors folded in is quite a cheeky trick for thieves.
"Sometimes the simplest thing is the biggest giveaway.
"While wing mirrors will just blend into the background for passers-by and car owners, open mirrors must stand out like a sore thumb to the miscreants.
“If that wasn’t enough, drivers often just press the buttons on the key fob and trust the airwaves that their car has been locked.
"However, thieves have now got their hands on signal blocking technology allowing them to intercept the request from the key, meaning drivers walk away unknowingly leaving the car unlocked.
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“Waiting an extra five seconds to check the mirrors and handle is all that’s needed to ensure the car is locked before walking away.”
Jenny Sims, the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s expert on car crime, told The Telegraph that Office for National Statistics figures found an alarming 22 per cent increase in the theft of vehicles.
Last year, car thefts increased from around 90,000 to nearly 110,000, equating to around 300 per day.
Britain's worst areas for car theft were recently revealed in a study, with London dominating the rankings.
In fact, nearly 10 per cent of all crimes recorded in the capital involve a vehicle.
Jenny said: “Locking your vehicle, even when filling up or parked on your drive, greatly reduces the possibility of it being targeted by an opportunist thief.
"Even if you have locked your vehicle, check you haven’t left any windows or the sunroof open.
"Keep your keys safe, out of view when at home, and away from your front door.”
Don't make these road rule mistakes
While leaving your wing mirrors left out could cost you a fortune, there are plenty of other driving mistakes that can land you in hot water.
Tailgating
Tailgating is one of the most common issues, which sees drivers motoring along too close to the car in front.
This mistake causes numerous accidents, especially when the driver in front brakes quickly leaving next to no time for the driver behind to react.
If caught tailgating, motorists can face a fine of up to £100 and three penalty points.
Remember to indicate
Failing to use your indicators can fall under "careless driving," and can be one of the most detrimental motoring errors.
This offence can be punishable with a fine of up to £5,000 and up to nine penalty points on your licence.
Fix your wiper blades
Driving with blunt or broken wiper blades is classed as driving your car in a dangerous condition.
This is particularly dangerous when you need to clean your windscreen, which can obstruct your view of the road.
Driving with broken wiper blades can see motorists fined up to £2,500 and slapped with three penalty points.
