WHEN looking to buy security products for a car, it is best to check with a motoring organisation first before plumping for a specific device.

That's the advice of community safety officer PC Tony Crompton this week - coupled with details of a number of information lines open for concerned drivers.

Many of them will offer free and unbiased advice on all aspects of car security as people become more aware of car crime and the effect it has on the country's motorists.

PC Crompton told SAM: "The two main motoring organisations - the AA and the RAC - can both advise drivers on all aspects of vehicle safety including approved security products, car park schemes, driving habits and route planning to name but a few.

"The Association of British Insurers (ABI) are also on hand to offer insurance advice and there are also databases provided by CCN and HPI which list cars that people should avoid when buying second hand - including stolen and written-off vehicles."

Tony says that the database lines are well worth a call when buying second hand to ensure you don't lose out on a 'cut and shut' vehicles ( two cars welded into one ).

There is also the Consumer's Association, which regularly publishes vehicle related articles in the Which? magazine and annual car supplements, and the Home Office crime prevention publicity department which offers a wide range of free booklets on car crime prevention.

Tony goes on: "Sold Secure and Thatcham security product testers can inform drivers of the best devices to buy and the vehicle industry has its own national security helpline offering details of approved fitters of security goods."

With numerous ports of call for concerned motorists Tony says that people should never hesitate to get in touch.

And he adds: "People can always contact me for advice as well - and it is well worth while if it saves money and heartache in the future by fitting the right product first time."

Advice can be obtained from -

AA: 0990 500600

RAC: 0990 722722

Association of British Insurers: 0171 600 3333

CCN: 0800 234999

HPI: 01722 422422

The Consumers Association: 0800 252100

Home Office Crime Prevention: 0171 273 2193

Sold Secure: 0500 192192

Thatcham: 01635 868855

Vehicle Security National Helpline: 0990 502006

PC Tony Crompton: 856-7546 or 856-7777.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.