Vehicles are stolen for various purposes including – for resale, for parts where the car is stripped down, or to be used in further crimes, personal use, importation to other countries, regardless of the reason, it can be an extremely distressing experience for the victims. Also, all cars are susceptible and vulnerable to theft, irrespective of the type, model, etc.
Unfortunately, there is no way to guarantee that you won’t become a victim of vehicle theft, however, there are ways to actively minimise the likelihood of your car being targeted.
Below are some simple measures that can be taken to keep your vehicle safe from break-ins and theft
- ALWAYS LOCK YOUR CAR DOORS, WINDOWS AND SUNROOF CLOSED
While this may seem obvious, leaving car doors unlocked or the window low is one of the commonest ways thieves have gained access to vehicles, thus resulting in theft. This can happen due to forgetfulness, overconfidence in the security around or sheer negligence on the part of the owner/driver.
Just as burglars look for open access points, car thieves are the same. They do not want to waste time or get caught, and will therefore use any opportunity they find.
Therefore, the first and most basic step of keeping your vehicle safe from theft is to alwayslock it, even if you leave it for a short while such as running back to the house to get something or getting off at the petrol station.
- KEEP THE KEYS SAFE AND OUT OF SIGHT
Getting access to the keys of a car is one of the easiest way to steal it. This has been heightened with the increased security complexities that accompany vehicles, thus making break-ins difficult, using the key in opening the car and moving it is an easier things.
Therefore, it is important to be mindful of where and how car keys are kept. They should not be left in an easy to spot place, as sometimes house burglars are known to car away vehicles alongside, having found the key left carelessly.
- KEEP YOUR VALUABLES OUT OF SIGHT
Sometimes, the intention is not to steal the car, but cart away valuable items displayed. The burglars break in to take away the valuables that you’ve left inside in plain view including wallets, purses, mobile phones, laptops, etc.
It is a very common practice among car owners to leave their belongings in the car, especially things that they need everyday life at the end of each day.
In an attempt to be more efficient, burglars are been attracted to the valuables, who will attempt to gain access, irrespective of the means. Thus, all valuable are to be kept out of plain sight and expensive item taken out, irrespective of how inconveniencing it is.
Also, people sometimes unknowingly leave important documents and paperwork containing private information in the vehicle unprotected. If the information get to the wrong hand, a case of identity theft may occur, with terrible consequence in its wake.
- PARK IN A WELL-LIT AND SECURE AREA
Crime tends to thrive in darkness and silence, including car thief
Car owners are urged to park in well lift areas, to reduce the risk of running into the perpetrators of the crime, as they usually avoid lightening to prevent their identity from getting exposed.
If you park your car out on the street, ensure it is in a well-lit area, preferably under a streetlight so that it is always visible, even during the nighttime.
Avoid leaving it in unsafe areas such as poorly lit car parks or areas obscured by buildings and trees or surrounded by highly suspicious individuals, even when in a hurry and know that you’ll be back within a few minutes.
