An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure-that’s not only true for your health but your automobile as well. Preventing your car from being stolen can be easier than dealing with the theft after it occurs, and some simple steps will help reduce your odds of becoming a victim.
Leaving Car Unattended and Running
It can be tempting to leave your car running when you’re only going to dash into a store for a minute, especially in winter. The truth is that it only takes a few seconds for a thief to nab your vehicle. Many carjackers are waiting outside of convenience stores for somebody to make this exact mistake. Remember to always turn your engine off and lock the doors, even if you’re only going to be gone for a minute.
Take Care when Parking
If you have a lockable garage, park your car inside it at night. If not, your vehicle should be placed as close to your house as possible. If you’re parking in a public lot, park as close to a street light as possible. Avoid sketchy areas at night and always use a lot with on-site security if you must leave your vehicle parked in an area long-term.
Windows up and Vehicle Locked
Make sure your windows are completely rolled up and your doors are locked at all times. It’s easier for thieves to break into a vehicle when the windows are even slightly cracked. A locked door won’t stop them but it could slow them down or better yet deter them away from your vehicle in favor of one that’s an easier target.
Hide your Valuables
Never leave valuables in your car in plain sight even if your doors are locked. Cover them up or place them under the seat instead. Consider tinting all your car windows so others are unable to see if there are any valuables inside.
Equip Yourself
A club, ignition lock device, or car alarm can often be enough to deter would-be thieves. Although experienced thieves can disable these devices, they prefer not to because it is time-consuming to do so. As a result, they are more likely to bypass your car because they won’t want to put forth the effort required to disable these safety features.
Most drivers never consider the possibility of having their vehicle stolen until it is too late. Since this is a growing crime, taking the proper precautions beforehand can help ensure you do not become another crime statistic.
*Image courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net
