Only you know how important your vehicle is for your daily activities. As such, what safety measures have you put in place to protect it? As a high-value asset, the quicker a thief can take control of your car, the more attractive it is. You, therefore, want to make your car as unattractive as possible to car thieves. Whatever you can do to slow down professional car thieves reduces the chances of losing such a valuable investment.
In addition, car theft can have other consequences as culprits usually make hasty getaways, which is a safety risk. Such individuals aren’t beyond mowing down pedestrians or crashing into other vehicles in the street in an attempt to escape. This post takes you through some basic yet effective methods to prevent your vehicle from being stolen.
1. Use the VIN
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a significant part of your vehicle’s security. The VIN holds vital information regarding your car. When making a purchase, especially a used car, make sure you check the vehicle’s VIN. It’s an identity code for vehicles that’s been there since the 50s. Much like a fingerprint, your car’s VIN is unique. Two vehicles can’t share the same code. If they do, one of them is a fake.
Your car’s VIN can come to the rescue if the car is ever stolen. You can use the code to track the vehicle’s whereabouts by following the history it leaves behind, like where it has been or if it was towed or serviced. You can access your car’s history report using the VIN from websites like AutoCheck.
2. Lock Your Doors
Be obsessed with locking your car doors at all times. Once your doors are locked, a thief is discouraged unless they are pretty desperate. Make it a habit to routinely check and confirm whether doors are locked and all windows are rolled up before leaving the vehicle unattended. Your car is not targeted randomly. Thieves take their time and observe how you leave the car.
They get fewer loopholes when you lock and take keys with you every single time. Also, consider upgrading your locking system to power locks. Power locks are easy to lock, are likely to have fewer complications than manual locks, and are more effective in discouraging car theft. However, make sure to double-check your doors as electric signals are known to jam from time to time.
3. Install a Smart Car Alarm
If your car does not have a smart audible car alarm, try installing one. The alarm uses the vehicle’s sound system to emit unwanted noises that notify the public whenever someone tries to access the car while it is on. Apart from the deafening sound, the alarm can also send a security breach notification to your phone, enabling you to act fast. More sophisticated alarms in the market will inform you whether the doors have been breached or the engine has started. Discretion is one of the things a thief values. They never like to attract attention. If they are not guaranteed a quiet getaway, they will avoid your car altogether.
4. Keep Valuables Out of Sight
Thieves also look for a return on investment before committing a crime. You put a target on your car when you leave high-value items like your purse, cell phone, and laptop where they can be easily spotted. Keep important items out of sight or leave them home if they are not needed. Experts encourage hiding valuables long before starting your journey. Once you are seen putting away items in plain sight, it becomes an easy smash and grab for thieves.
5. Your Parking Matters
Start by parking responsibly. Responsible parking means avoiding dark parking areas. Try to go for the busiest parking lots with extra security. Finding a safe parking lot guarantees more security, even if it may cost some extra bucks. Scanning the area where the parking lot is located can help keep your car safe. You may want to get out of there if you spot suspicious activities like people hanging around the area who don’t seem to be picking up or dropping off a vehicle.
Conclusion
Losing your car to thieves is an experience that will not only harm your financial but also emotional well-being. Take the necessary steps to secure your car by installing various security layers. Start by being observant of the places you leave your vehicle. Remember to lock the doors, install a smart audible alarm system, keep valuables out of sight, and park responsibly. But most importantly, follow your gut. If you feel insecure in an area, then your car is not any safer.
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