Secure a Parked Car
Unlocked cars are a target for thieves. Besides, with the money that you pay for your car, stereo and gas, it's never nice to lose possessions from your car that you paid for.
Contents
Steps
- Park your car in a locked area. Choose a visible and well-lit area when possible.
- Lock your doors every time you park the vehicle.
- Close all of your windows.
- Hide, cover or conceal any valuables that you might have in your car.
- Check on your car often if you are really worried and that would make you feel better.
- Turn on the alarm if there is one, or if not, get a good one before you forget about it.
- Close the roof if you have a convertible; open cars are an invitation to thieves. If you have an open-top Jeep, cover it at night, or in case of a seldom used vehicle consider covering it with an ordinary tarp (costs less than a “car cover”).
Tips
- There are certain devices that can be used to stop someone running away with your car, besides alarms—such as deeply tinted windows and etching of serial numbers on car windows. Use these in high-crime neighborhoods.
- Be extra careful if you have a car that looks unusual or are visiting a high-crime neighborhood, such as those located in roads.
- “Odds and ends” like a drink bottle or can, a burger bag, books, child seat, toys, a cleaning cloth and other stuff can make the car unattractive at first glance. Many people have little imagination.
- If getting your parked car hot-wired is constantly a worry, consider putting some kind of extra kill switch in and a tracking device in your car.
Warnings
- Do your best and hope for their going on to easier, more inviting loot, but even if following all these tips, a determined thief can push/tow and strip your car in a matter of minutes of speakers, stereo, expensive wheels, doors, hood, trunk and possibly wreck it or set it on fire.
