Vehicle security is important to us all. It’s a big responsibility, not just for the person who owns the car but for everyone else on the road as well.
The cost of vehicle theft is an estimated $7 billion per year in America alone. And that figure doesn’t take into account how many lives are put at risk by stolen vehicles and drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
If you own a car yourself, then it’s your responsibility to protect it from thieves and other vandals too.
Here are some tips for maximizing security while driving or parking your vehicle:
1) Lock up any valuables inside before going out to drive or park.
2) Parkin busy areas where lots of people will be passing by and in a lighted area where there will be lots of activity, close to other cars if possible. This will deter would-be thieves from breaking in because of their fear of being seen.
Park your vehicle in a parking bay, if there is one available, or in a garage where there is an attendant on duty. A public area with CCTV coverage is also a great option.
3) Don’t leave the radio or car stereo on when you leave your vehicle as it could draw attention to thieves.
4) Don’t make it obvious which keys open what cars. It should be a well-kept secret known only by you.
5) Don’t leave anything in your car overnight if possible.
6) Check all windows and doors are shut fully before you start driving. Lock all doors, the boot (trunk), and any sunroofs.
7) If your car has an electronic immobilizer fitted, make sure it’s activated.
8) If your car has an alarm fitted, make sure that it is working properly and is set at night time.
9) Make sure your number plate(s) can’t be seen by passers-by.
10) Fit a steering lock to your vehicle – you can buy them from any car accessories shop.
11) Try not to leave your car unattended for long periods of time. If this isn’t possible, ask someone to keep an eye on it for you, and don’t leave any extra fuel in the fuel tank.
12) Make sure the front and back number plates are clearly visible and legible.
13) Keep the inside of your windows smear-free to make it harder for thieves to break in through them.
14) If your car has remote central locking, try not to keep all the keys together. It’ll be easier for you if you have one spare key. If there is a steering lock fitted, don’t keep the key in the same place as your car keys and vice versa. They should be kept apart.
15) Check for any visible damage to your vehicle before you make any journeys. It could have been damaged during parking or if you’ve hit another car.
16) Don’t keep any spare keys or garage door openers in your vehicle.
17) If your number plate has been stolen, report it to the police as soon as possible.
18) When you have finished using your car and locked all doors, don’t forget to check the boot (trunk), sunroofs, and windows are closed and locked too.
19) Always remember that the most important part of your car is YOU. You and other road users are a much more lucrative prize than any valuables you may have in your vehicle.
20) Make sure that everything you need for driving, like keys, documents, etc., is easily accessible without having to search around too much.
21) Check all doors and windows are locked before you start driving – this is especially important if you’re the last one to get into the car.
22) At home, park your car where it can’t be seen from the road. If you have a garage, use it whenever possible. It will keep your car away from the public and reduce the risk of vandalism.
23) Don’t leave anything on display in your vehicle. If you must, then make sure you hide it well.
24) Don’t leave anything on show in parked cars.
25) Keep keys out of reach from car thieves who might be tempted to break into your vehicle just because they can get a key.
26) Try not to leave your car on a public road overnight if at all possible, for example in a hotel car park. Ask staff to keep an eye on it for you instead.
27) If you can’t park in a garage, choose the most secluded spot with as many security features as possible.
28) Keep the windows closed and the doors locked whenever you leave your vehicle.
29) If you need to leave anything in your car overnight, ask someone to keep an eye on it for you. If they won’t, consider leaving the parcel shelf off and the window opens slightly to keep an eye on it from a distance.
30) Don’t leave valuables in plain sight; you can buy products that are fitted to hide things.
31) If you buy a new car, ask the dealer to hold on to your key(s) while it’s safe and secure on their premises.
32) Fit security locks to your car doors which protect against the tool used by most professional thieves. There are various brands available on the market such as Biggerhammer, DISC, D-Locks, and Domus Alarm. Invest in a steering lock or clamp.
This will make it more difficult for a thief to drive your car away. Buying high-security locks from reputable manufacturers has long-term benefits. They are expensive, but this may be the best insurance you can buy.
33) Have your car key cut at an authorized dealer. Most have mobile vans and will cut multiple keys at once. This saves time and reduces wear and tear on your original key.
34) Always clear the snow from your car before setting off. Don’t leave it overnight to melt, as this will encourage thieves by providing them with some cover.
35) Keep an eye on second-hand vehicles and view any suspiciously cheap cars offered for sale with caution. If at all possible, try checking out the MOT history of the car, as well as its service history on company databases.
You can also get it checked out by an expert first. This will give you more information about a vehicle and help you identify any potential problems.
36) If your engine is left running when you park it, always take the keys.
37) Ensure that your parking brake is securely applied before you leave your vehicle – this stops any would-be thief from driving off in your car.
Our team of locksmith experts is ready 24/7 to help you
In the modern world where we’re constantly on the go, it’s all too easy to leave your keys in the ignition or hide valuables carelessly.
These risk-free tips will help you avoid car theft by making sure you do everything possible to protect yourself and your vehicle from would-be thieves.
With these security measures in place, you’ll be able to enjoy a drive without having to worry about safety issues. If any of this sounds intimidating and you want to help to enact these principles, let us know.
Our team of experts is ready 24/7 and waiting to partner with you for your car locksmith needs.
In case you become a victim of car theft, make sure to get in touch with us so we can provide you with the immediate assistance you need. Dial (202) 830-0706 and we’ll be there for you in less than 30 minutes!
