If you’ve been hearing a lot of car theft stories lately and you don’t want to be a victim of such, knowing how to prevent car theft is the best option for you.
Any moment of carelessness can turn into a stressful and costly experience. If you want to protect your car, it goes beyond locking the doors. It may involve the combination of effective security tools, awareness of potential risks, and smart habits.
The FBI’s uniform crime reports show that more than 773,000 people reported cars stolen in 2017. Although car theft has declined over the past few decades, the Insurance Information Institute (III) reports that someone still steals a car in the US every 40.9 seconds.
Thieves are more likely to target your car if they can steal it quickly. It will be less enticing for professional car thieves or joyriders to target your vehicle if you can do anything to slow them down.
Thieves use smart keys to steal cars and swap vehicle identification numbers to avoid getting caught. So, how can you prevent car theft? Well, in this reading, you will learn that.
Let’s get into it.
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How To Prevent Car Theft
The following will help you prevent thieves from stealing your car:
Lock All Doors
Always keep your car locked, even when you’re driving. Unlocked doors make for simple prey. It’s a good idea to make checking your car doors a habit.
Don’t Forget Your Car Key
Never forget to take your keys out of the ignition. If your key is still inside the vehicle, a burglar can just smash a window and take off.
In addition, Firestone advises against leaving your car running, even if you’re only running a quick errand inside a store. A burglar could easily target a running car, especially if someone leaves it unlocked or unattended.
In certain vehicles, the owner’s manual or glove box houses the valet key. You can use it to start the automobile and open the doors. Make sure you locate the valet key and take it away before someone else does.
High-end sports cars like Corvettes and Jaguars, as well as brands like Audi, BMW, Infiniti, Nissan, Subaru, Volkswagen, and Volvo, frequently use valet keys.
Upgrade to electric locks if your vehicle is older and has manual locks. When there is only one button to press, you are less likely to forget to lock a door.
For each door, purchase one power lock actuator. Although they are relatively inexpensive, it is worthwhile to get a specialist to install them properly.
Install A Remote Starter
Remote car starters turn on the engine but prevent the transmission from shifting, making it difficult to drive off in the vehicle.
Pushing a button allows you to leave your home and enter a heated vehicle. Some remote auto starters come with extra features like an ignition kill switch, a smartphone app, or a smart car alarm.
Always Close Your Windows
Keep all of your windows closed. A burglar will easily have access to your automobile and everything inside by simply reaching in through an open window, grabbing what they can, or unlocking the door. So, prevent all this by always keeping your windows closed.
Get A Smart Car
You don’t need to be near your car alarm to hear that something is wrong with one of these. It simultaneously alerts your phone and generates the customary deafening noise to draw attention.
If someone tries to enter the car while the alarm is on, the alarm makes a loud noise, frequently the automobile horn. The noise’s unwanted attention may deter a potential robber.
Although there are many different car alarms on the market, bear in mind that you might need to hire a mechanic or alarm professional to install it for you, especially if the installation involves interacting with the vehicle’s wiring system.
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Use A Steering Wheel, Brake, Or Tire Lock
A steering wheel lock attaches to your steering wheel and locks into place with a specific key, making it one of our more affordable choices. If somebody tries to turn the automobile, the lengthy arm of the steering wheel lock runs into the console or windshield.
The appearance of a steering wheel lock will turn away anyone seeking an easy target, while others may use power tools to remove it.. For best effect, use both a steering wheel lock and another anti-theft device.
Install A Tracking System
You may want to consider putting in a tracking system, sometimes known as a vehicle recovery system. (As with the other alarms, installation by a professional may be necessary.)
This tracking device will use wireless and/or GPS technology to send a signal to the police or a monitoring agency about the whereabouts of your vehicle when someone steals it. This could hasten the police’s ability to find your car.
Be On Alert
When you park your car, pay attention to your surroundings. It’s wise to park somewhere else if you’re concerned about the security of your vehicle or notice someone hanging out in the parking lot.
Before you leave your car unattended, Firestone also advises you to double-check that you have locked the windows and doors.
Etch VIN Into Windows
Some people steal vehicles to sell individual components. Selling parts with identification numbers inscribed on them, however, is problematic since law enforcement can track them down.
People will know you’ve taken precautions to prevent theft by seeing your VIN (vehicle identification number) etched onto each window of your automobile. It might not be enough to deter every potential car thief, but it will discourage some of them.
Conclusion
When Preventing your car from stealing it is all about using the right security measures, staying at alert, and Being prepared. When investing in reliable anti-theft devices, Following simple daily habits, and staying aware of your surroundings, you can reduce the risk of your car being stolen. Knowing these steps not only protects your vehicle but it also gives you peace of mind any time you hit the road.
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FAQs
How do cars get stolen so easily?
The older models of cars and some basic versions mostly have lack of modern security specifications, making them the easiest to targets. Keyless entry systems when accessible can be hacked and anti-theft device may sometimes fail to deter thieves.
What devices are used to stop car theft?
Car security supposed to be installed
Replaced engine anti-theft device can be fitted to older vehicles to prevent starting the car without a key for just only a few dollars. Some other anti-theft devices includes steering wheel locks, battery isolators, bonnet locks, ignition shields and GPS trackers.
How far away can thieves scan car keys?
Thieves just only need to be a few metres near to your car key to intercept the signal, even if it’s at your house.
What makes a car easier to steal?
If your car is parked or been kept in a dark area, it becomes easier for the thieves to enter into it. They will break the door and Starter lock and start the car. Older vehicles models do not have safety features. That is why they are the easiest to be stolen
What is the most common time for car theft?
This mostly happened at night between 2 and 5 a.m. Because most people are asleep by that time, that’s the most popular time for vehicles to be stolen.