Leaving your car in a garage or a driveway, investing in the best car accessories for security, or installing Verisure Alarms for Home & Business are just some of the ways to deter car thieves from stealing your car. But then, do these methods always guarantee your car’s safety? Well, with over 20% of car owners in the UK admitting to having had their vehicle stolen, it seems that car robbers are creating new ways around the anti-theft and hi-tech security solutions out there.
Even though smart steering wheel locks, keyless entry systems, or immobilizers help keep thieves away from your car, clever crooks take advantage of the general public forgetfulness to do necessary security measures. Even with car security systems available, you could still end up calling your insurers and police if you’re not covering your bases well.
However, there are simple steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of your car being targeted by thieves. Here’s how you can secure your car and avoid getting it stolen.
Don’t keep valuables in your car.
It may seem like an obvious point to state, but you may be surprised by how many drivers leave their valuables in their car. It’s understandable if you forget them once in a while. Sometimes, you may be tired or in a hurry at the end of the day. However, this habit could cost you. It’s essential to remember to remove all your valuables from the car.
Unless you have tinted windows, anyone walking past your car will be able to see anything you may have left. It could be a laptop, wallet, phone, etc. These items could attract unwanted attention to your car. When you’re parked somewhere or retiring for the day, ensure that you inspect your interior, and no valuables are left when you get off the car. If you don’t want to carry them with you, you can also lock them in your vehicle’s trunk or boot. They will be more secure there. It would be best if you don’t leave valuables like essential documents in the car. When thieves steal your car, they may use them for fraudulent purposes.
Prepare for the worst-case scenario and register your valuables, so that the police will call you when they are recovered in case of theft.
Ensure that you always lock your car.
Don’t give car robbers an easy job of getting into your car; always double-check that you’ve locked your car. When leaving the vehicle, make sure that all the windows are rolled up and secured. You may be tempted to leave your window open during the hot weather to make your vehicle well-ventilated. However, it only takes a small space in the window for a thief to access your car. Always walk around your car and ensure all the windows are rolled up all the way.
If you’re using a key fob to lock your car, it’s not wrong to try one of the doors and confirm they are closed. While it may seem a bit redundant nowadays, thieves can use some technology to jam the signal between your car and the key fob, and you may leave your vehicle unlocked, thinking you’ve locked it.
Be careful where you park your car.
Some places are more likely to attract higher rates of car theft than others. That’s why location is one of the factors insurance companies use to calculate the risk factor. To get the best insurance deals, ensure you visit this page.
When parking your car at home, ensure that it’s parked on the driveway or a garage. This ensures the car is safe, as thieves find it difficult to get to the car. If you can’t do that, either, you should at least try to park the vehicle as close to your home as possible, maybe near your window where you can keep an eye on it. Potential thieves will keep off cars that can be seen by their owners or passers-by.
If you’re going to a car park, ensure that you opt for one with CCTV. Once you’re there, choose your parking spot wisely. If possible, go to a well-lit place with plenty of other cars in the vicinity. You should also take the same steps if you’re parking on the main road or side street when running errands. You can pick a spot close to a public area or CCTV; for example, a shop or restaurant. If your car is in view of other people, crooks might find it less appealing to steal from.
Don’t leave your car running.
Sometimes, you may be in a rush or taking a second to pick something up, and you may want to step out of your car and leave it running. If you leave your car unattended with the keys in the ignition, it’s effortless for someone to jump in and drive away. It doesn’t matter how much of a rush you’re in; never leave your car running.
Most insurance companies will also deny your claim if you left your keys in the car unattended. To avoid this, you should switch off your car and lock it before leaving it to run any errands, no matter how quick the chore is.
Increase your security measures.
While there’s no sure way to prevent thieves from stealing your car, having excellent security measures in place will make it far less likely for your vehicle to be stolen. The first point of car security is a steering wheel immobilizer, which takes a few minutes to attach. If you want extra security, you can also get a wheel clamp, making your car less tempting to steal. You can also invest in a car alarm, which won’t only deter thieves, but might lower your insurance premiums.
Investing in a tracking system would also be valuable in case your car does get stolen. It will help in the recovery process.
Incorporating these simple tips into your routine will help keep your car secure.
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