No nation is safe from the plague that is car theft. No matter if it’s a violent attempt to seize the valuables within, or taking off with your ride entirely, almost no car model is immune from this act of savagery. You don’t even have to drive a modified or expensive car like the ones in car magazines to attract criminals’ attention. However, strategies do exist on how to minimise your appeal to opportunistic car thieves, or if necessary, reduce the amount of harm that an thief can do should he have a go on your family car.
You first idea might be getting a car alarm. But know that by this day and age, an activated alarm poses no physical barrier to anyone who is already plundering his way into your vehicle. All that matters is the psychological impediment an activated alarm may hold towards a less experienced thief. You can replicate the same effect with the sticker from a popular car alarm manufacturer.
The time a victim takes to get inside a vehicle is a golden opportunity among muggers and carjackers. Pay attention to your surroundings as you approach your car, and make sure to have your key ready so you may enter the vehicle in the shortest span of time. Lock the doors the moment you get into the seat, since a seated driver is extremely vulnerable to a hijack attempt.
After you park your vehicle, take some time to ensure that you and your passengers’ belongings are not left inside the car within a clear view from outside. Either move them into the trunk instead, or tuck them under the seats or mats if necessary. Do not give the thieves any ideas. An mundane bag can potentially arouse their interest, which from their perspective may contain promising goods inside.
Looking for the smart spot to park is an important factor. Unattended car parks are always at the mercy of these rogues, but if you have to leave you car unsupervised, pick the most well lit and exposed spot to ensure maximum pressure on any thief working on your vehicle.
You also need to be aware that an increasing number of criminals are running their own “towing services”. By hoisting your car away with a specialist truck in a professional manner, these crooks have learned to expect little intervention in the middle of their heist. Leave your vehicle’s front wheels in a side way position as you park, as this can make their job more difficult than they expect.
Finally, always abide to a simple common sense: there is absolutely no reason for you leave the key in the ignition. Even if you just want to pop in for a quick ATM withdrawal, or just grab a pack of cigarettes, you are providing more than enough time for the an opportunist to jump in the driver’s seat and make off with your wheels. There’s no need to make their lives any easier! Whether you have a fairly humble Mitsubishi family car or something a bit more flash, make sure you are insured and you take all practical precautions.
Very few car owners are totally immune to car theft. Always get yourself the right car insurance, so that if your prized wheels are taken you are safeguarded financially. Take photographs of your car for insurance purposes.