Volkswagen steals anti-theft award

All the talk of innovation in the car industry revolves around strides to make our vehicles more planet-friendly these days. But significant advances are being made in car security all the time - and the annual British Insurance Vehicle Security Awards ceremony aims to praise those makers doing the most to tackle car crime.

Volkswagen group walked away with the significant Innovation Award for its Vehicle Secure Indicator (VSI), which is fitted to a raft of Audis and VWs and uses a simple light in the key fob that allows an owner to check whether his car is locked.

Citroen scooped accolades for six of its cars and vans, including best family car for the C5, best compact MPV for the C4 Picasso Exclusive, and best Executive car for the C6. It also won a 'best 4x4 van' award for the C-Crosser. But Audi walked away with the 'best car manufacturer' award, receiving praise for the outstanding security features of its entire range.

According to government figures, car crime in the UK has fallen by 66 percent since 1995. Minister for Crime Reduction Alan Campbell heaped praise on the award winners, saying the drop is "a significant achievement, and one that we can all be proud of."

Mark Nichol