Use These Simple Tips To Protect Your Car From Theft
No matter how safe our neighborhoods are, it is hard not to worry about theft when we see so many stories in the news. It takes less than a minute for someone with tools and determination to break into your car. Fortunately there are ways you can make this inconvenient – if not impossible!
We’ve compiled eight helpful tips to ensure that your car will be protected against break-ins. Remember, crimes like these are typically committed by those who want a quick and easy heist; implementing these precautions may make it more difficult or unappealing for thieves!
1. Don’t leave valuables in plain sight
Thieves know what they’re looking for, so hiding away items of value is the best way to protect them from potential theft. Try storing any valuable electronics under seats/in glove compartments when you aren’t using them—that’s where most people look first if they decide on breaking into one’s vehicle (and thus making it much less likely that an opportunistic criminal would take his time).
2. Always lock your doors and keep your windows rolled up
Even if you’re just running into a store for one minute, make sure to lock your car doors and roll up the windows. It is much easier for thieves to steal items from an unlocked vehicle than it would be busting in through a closed window or door. Additionally, always keep your doors locked when driving – even at stoplights! If someone hops into your unlocked car while stopped they could easily take off with all of our belongings.
3. Get your windows tinted
Window tint can actually be helpful for your car’s security. It makes it more difficult for thieves to see inside of your vehicle, and that lowers the chance they’ll break in since if they can’t see if are any valuable objects inside. The front windshield is typically the most restrictive with window tinting so you should take care not to exceed 35% visibility through side windows as a good rule-of-thumb measure. However, make sure you double check your local laws so you don’t set yourself to get ticketed.
4. Install a car alarm
An anti-theft system is a great way to deter thieves who are looking for easy targets. It can be as simple as installing an alarm that will go off when the car door opens or keeping your windows rolled up and putting on fake decals, like this one here. Newer systems have motion sensors which notify you if someone tries breaking in through the app on your phone so there’s no need to worry about being caught completely unaware!
5. Make sure your parking spot is well-lit
Parking in well-lit areas is a good way to prevent break ins. Thieves prefer the cover of darkness and are less likely to target cars parked under street lights because they can be seen. If you have no other option but must park on the streets at night, try parking near as many lamps or light posts as possible so that your car will remain visible if someone tries breaking into it.
6. Don’t keep valuables in your car
Realistically, there’s no reason to keep anything valuable in your car. Thieves will be more likely to target your car if it they can see valuables through the window. So, when possible, avoid keeping any valuable items in the front or back seat area and store them under a blanket or towel on the floor instead. If this isn’t possible (and sometimes even when it is), put small-ticket items like phones and wallets inside center consoles between seats for better concealment before closing up and locking cars completely. Don’t forget to lock these compartments too!
7. Only park in safe places
Park in well-lit areas, and if possible bring someone with you. If there are no lights where the parking lot is located, it’s better to go somewhere else. Avoid a secluded spot since that makes your car vulnerable for thieves who can break into them easily without getting caught by security cameras or other people nearby. It would be safer to park next to another car so potential criminals will focus on an easier target than yours instead of waiting around for some unlucky victim driving alone at night like yourself!
Recap
Thieves prey on easy targets. People that leave their car unlocked, their windows cracked, or have valuables sitting out in plain view are just begging for criminals to break into their vehicles. Most of these car safety tips are simple common sense, but sometimes we need a gentle reminder of the simple things and that’s okay! Just follow these tips to keep your car from being broken into.
Joe, a former CIO and tech industry professional, has made it his mission to secure Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) through the Action Lock Doc, Dallas Safe and Vault, and Summa Security brands. When he’s not running the show at the office, you’ll find him writing about commercial and residential locksmithing, access control, and safes.