Car break-ins are one of the most infuriating things that can happen to a car owner. Unfortunately, they occur more often than we’d like to think. While there’s no way to completely prevent thieves from targeting your car, there are some preventative measures that you can take to make your vehicle less appealing.
Most people think that their new car’s technology is enough to stop thieves from getting in. Whilst car security systems are more powerful today, you shouldn’t rely on them alone. Also remember that thieves are clever and are continually improving their tools and techniques to facilitate break-ins.
So with that in mind, let’s look at what you can do to keep you and your car safe.
Ways you can prevent car break-ins
1. Lock your car doors and roll up the windows
It’s easy to let your guard down from time to time, especially when living in such a safe country as Australia. If you’re dropping by the post office one day, or ducking in to grab something from the shops that’ll take you less than 15 minutes, you might think that it’s not necessary to lock up your vehicle. However, remember that it doesn’t take long for thieves to act. In many cases, thieves will look for unlocked cars as they’re an easy target. They do not want to spend a long time picking a lock, because the longer they take, the higher the risk of being seen. So whenever you park, double check that your doors are locked and that your windows are closed.
2. Install a security system and make it visible
Increasing the security inside your car and making it visible to potential thieves will deter them from breaking in. You can look into investing in a steering wheel lock, window alarm or even a hidden GPS tracker. These devices are especially useful in the unfortunate event that your car is stolen, and will enable fleet managers to locate the exact position of the vehicle.
3. Hide valuables
To prevent car break-ins, it’s always best to always take your valuables with you. However, there will be times when you have to leave them in your car. In these instances, you should always move them to the trunk. Covering them with whatever material you might have available in your car may seem like a good idea, but this is a well-known tactics that thieves will often see through.
4. Park in well-lit areas
If you park your car in a dark areas, thieves will see it as a prime opportunity. They will be able to steal with a lower chance of being seen. If you are parking in a street, try to park under a streetlight or close to other cars. Try to avoid secluded areas and always prioritise your safety.
