Learn how to deter burglars from your car with our handy guide.
Intro Those of us that have had our cars broken into in the past will know only too well how miserable an experience it can be. Even in the best case scenario where nothing is stolen it’s still traumatic, and the worst case scenarios can end up costing you a fortune – whether that’s tied back to auto glass repair, lost items or even if the worst comes to the worst a stolen car. However, there are steps you can take to reduce the chances of your car being broken into, and we’ve collated some of them right here. We’re not professionals, but at the same time, if you implement some of these techniques, you’ll hopefully be able to sleep a little easier at night.
Keep valuables out of sight First things first, keep your valuables out of sight. Common sense, we know, but you’d be surprised how often people forget this simplest of measures. If there’s anything valuable in your car whatsoever, be it a laptop, iPod, camera, CDs – even spare cash, then either lock it in your glove compartment or store it under your seat. You’d be surprised how little people will break into your car for when they’re looking for a quick buck, so don’t take any chances!
Park safely and in public Another common sense measure, but if you’re not already taking measures to park your car in public, then start doing so now. We all know how difficult it can be to park in busy spots, but under no circumstances leave your car somewhere out of the public eye just because a space is available there. Thieves love this sort of thing – no-one to see them breaking in and no security cameras. Oh yeah, and do yourself a favour and make sure your doors are locked and your windows rolled up. It’s really not advisable to leave them unopened while your car’s unsupervised.
Detachable Stereo Faces If you’ve got a car stereo that isn’t fitted to your car when it rolls off the production line, then your car’s already a prime target. If a thief believes they can remove it and make a profit from it, then there’s a good chance that they’ll go ahead and do just that. As such, get a detachable stereo face (you know, the ones you can take off as soon as your leaving the car). They’re easy enough to use, and light enough to either carry around or lock in your glove compartment without putting yourself out at all. A sound investment, we’re sure you’ll agree!
Car alarm! We’ve heard all the excuses – they’re too expensive, I park my car in a garage, yada yada yada. We’re not interested – there’s no excuse for not having a car alarm. Not only will one deter most thieves from even attempting to break into your car, if they’re foolish enough to go ahead and try anyway, everyone in the radius will be alerted to just what’s going on. Many cars have them fitted as standard, but if yours doesn’t make getting one your first call of action after reading this. Some good ones are reviewed right here.
Tidy before you park, not after If you’re the sort of person who stores valuables in the trunk of their car after they’ve parked to keep them out of sight, you are on the right track, but not completely. Have you ever stopped to think that any would be thieves in the area will now know exactly what’s hidden away, and gauge whether breaking in might be worth the risk? Don’t leave it to chance – put them in a safe secure place long before you get to the car park.
Outro. There’s no way to guarantee your car won’t get broken into – that’s not a cop out, it’s just the truth. However, by implementing some of the steps we’ve suggested here you’re certainly going to deter most right thinking thieves from trying to. If you adhere to each one of them, then even in the unfortunate incident you’re broken into, thieves will hopefully either be caught in the act, scared off or at least won’t get away with your most valuable items. Hope we’ve helped!