It’s a lousy feeling to wake up one morning and discover that your car’s missing. According to recent figures from the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting data base (1), every year over 770,000 vehicles are stolen in the U.S. Combined losses from those motor vehicle thefts cost consumers and insurance companies over $6 billion, or roughly $7,700 per crime. Fortunately, there are several reliable ways to keep your vehicle from becoming a statistic, starting with these.
As OEM security systems on newer vehicles have improved, the sophisticated tactics of wily car thieves have also gotten better. But the strategies of most criminals still rely on a pair of age-old approaches. The first strategy takes advantage of an immediate opportunity, and the second, or “planned heist”, involves careful planning and preparation while waiting for the right moment to strike.
Car thieves usually use the first tactic if, and only if, there’s virtually no chance they’ll get caught. The second strategy is more common, less risky and usually very well thought out. Like most criminals, car thieves tend to take the path of least resistance.
Although no theft-deterrent is 100% foolproof, using these proven methods can help discourage curious car thieves:
Have you ever left your car running while inside the local convenience store or letting it warm up on the driveway? Unoccupied running vehicles play right into the hands of thieves looking for an easy opportunity as they wait in the shadows for you to make this common mistake.
Especially while stuck in stop-and-go traffic, always keep your windows rolled up tight and doors locked to keep car jackers out. It’s also wise to do so anytime you park your car- even right outside your home. If a thief is working their way through a parking lot or neighborhood and your vehicle is locked up tight, they’ll probably move on.
Most criminals prefer operating in the shadows, so when parking your vehicle avoid dimly lit, isolated areas. This will not only deter most thieves, it will also allow any lot security camera footage or witnesses to ID the perpetrator(s) more easily if your car is targeted.
Not only will leaving valuables in plain sight attract car thieves, they’ll also get the attention of “smash-and-grab” burglars. And, if a car thief sees your purse or wallet lying on the front seat, they may just decide to steal the whole car to make it worth their while.
Most drivers carry a copy of their car registration, proof of insurance and driver’s license inside their vehicles. If a police officer pulls over a thief who’s taken your car, they may let them go if shown your insurance and registration cards. Keep them locked up inside the glovebox, or, better yet, carry them with you at-all-times.
Situational awareness is an invaluable tool, so constantly scan your surroundings for signs of suspicious activity. Doing so will heighten your senses and help you remember which car theft precautions you should take, especially when in an unfamiliar area.
If you live in a high-crime area or own a frequently targeted car make and model, invest in a top-quality alarm system. This added layer of security will probably deter the average criminal, and many security systems today can be paired with mobile device apps that will promptly notify you if your car’s being tampered with. You can also place a cruciform lock on your vehicle’s steering wheel when it’s parked.
When your vehicle’s been damaged by a car thief or collision, you can promptly locate a reliable auto body or glass repair shop nearby by using the nationwide Carwise referral network. All shops listed on Carwise are I-CAR and ASE-certified, which means they have the driver-trusted technicians, equipment and services you need to restore your ride, and peace-of-mind, like new again.
Search your zip code now for a customer-reviewed auto body or glass repair shop nearby: www.carwise.com.
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