10 Ways To Protect Yourself From Car Theft
You walk out to your car in the morning and someone has broken a window, stolen your tires, or even your entire vehicle. You feel angry and violated and may wonder if you could have done anything to prevent this crime from occurring.
You can take steps right now to avoid car theft. There are even criminal psychology graduate programs, which provide information on behavior and its relation to theft and other crime. Follow these tips to help avoid being the victim of a stolen car.
1) Remove keys
It sounds obvious, but make sure that your keys are in your hand when you leave your car. In addition, remove any “extra” keys that you might have hidden in your car. You want to make stealing your car as difficult as possible, and if you are providing keys, you might as well give your car away.
2) Lighting
Most auto thefts occur at night, because it is easier to remain unseen in the darkness. Try to park in well-lit areas. Thieves are going to go for the easy steal. Park close to other cars, and if you are parking in a lot, try to choose one with an attendant. It will provide safety and protection.
3) Remove valuables
If you leave money, CDs, mp3 players and other items of value in plain sight, your car will be at greater risk for a break in. Either remove the items entirely, or hide them in a locked glove compartment. Never leave shopping bags in the seats, even if you are reusing them to transport other things. A thief will look to see what kinds of bags you are carrying and might break in if he perceives something of value.
4) Lock your car
Every time you leave your car, make sure you lock it and roll up your windows. Criminals normally want the quickest and easiest steal, and if they have to make noise and commotion to get into your car, they might move on to an easier target.
5) Anti-theft devices
Some people question the effectiveness of a car alarm, but anything to make it more troublesome for someone breaking in is good. The loud noise will gather the attention of others, and possibly alert nearby authorities. A steering wheel lock is an effective tool, should someone break in and start your vehicle.
6) Make towing difficult
When you park your car, turn your wheels sharply to the left or right facing the curb, and apply the emergency brake. This makes is much more difficult for thieves to tow your car away.
7) Turn off engine
Never leave your car running, if even for a minute. This makes it very easy for someone to hop in your car and drive off. People who want to steal cars are watching for people to make this careless mistake.
8) Title and registration
Do not leave your title in the car. File it at home. It is unnecessary to carry for day-to-day driving. You must have your registration in case of an accident or if police pull you over. Consider carrying that in your wallet or purse. If these are inaccessible to thieves, they will have a difficult time selling your car.
9) VIN number
Consider etching your VIN number on the glass and important car parts. This makes selling or chopping your car for parts more difficult. If someone steals your car, you want to have the best chance to get your car back.
10) Police Report
Be sure to file a police report as soon as you notice a car theft. Give the police all identifying information such as make, model, and VIN number. Also, be sure to include any fancy radios, iPods, or other accessories in your car. The sooner the police are on the case the better likelihood of a car recovery.
Page 1 of 2 | Next page