"We are going to give a pole a go, one of those that folds up and down."

No idea what this may be, but unless it's something absolutely solid I would go for one of those telescopic ones for which you need to dig a hole. Our neighbour had his Mercedes van nicked a few years ago and he installed one of the things I've tried to describe. So far the replacement has remained unstolen.

I have got another car the same as the gone one coming.

The thieves will be delighted.

How about this :-)

www.thesun.co.uk/motors/28801692/land-rover-chaine.../

Some neighbours have those pole, but don't look strong. If they attached by 2 or 4 bolts. At installation they look strong, but over time they seem to have got broken.

My car was stolen from the drive last week, broke into the house, found the keys and away when we were on holiday. We are going to give a pole a go, one of those that folds up and down. I know nothing really stops thefts completely but making stealing yours a hassle hopefully makes them look elsewhere. The insurance payout was excellent so no gripes there and I have got another car the same as the gone one coming.

Here's a cheap and seemingly foolproof way of deterring said thieves when you're going away but leaving the car - take all the car keys with you or give them to a very trusted friend or relative.

Sounds like someone had been previously 'casing the joint' and knew you'd be away, rather than just some random opportunist who 'got lucky'.

Unfortunately these days, as I've personally discovered to my cost (nothing to do with my car), trusting your neighbours (who may sound decent when you speak to them) is far more of a problem than it used to be.