How to prevent car theft

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. The FBI’s Uniform Crime Reports show that more than 773,000 cars were reported stolen in 2017. Although car theft has declined over the past few decades, the Insurance Information Institute (III) reports that a car is still stolen in the US every 40.9 seconds.

Your car is more appealing to car thieves the faster they can steal it. 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 are using smart keys to steal cars, and they are swapping vehicle identifying numbers to avoid being caught. Thus, in this article, we’ll discuss how to prevent car theft.

how to prevent car theft

So, let’s dive in!

Contents

Lock all doors.
Always remember to remove your keys from the car.
Install a remote starter.
Always close your windows.
Get a smart car alarm and an anti-theft device.
Use a steering wheel, brake, or tire lock.
Install a tracking system.
Be on alert.
Etch VIN into windows

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.

Always remember to remove your keys from the car

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 running car could be a simple target for a burglar, especially if it is unlocked or left unattended.

In certain vehicles, the owner’s manual or glove box house the valet key. It can be used 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 can easily obtain 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 witnesses.

If someone tries to enter the car while the alarm is on, an audible alarm is meant to make a loud noise, frequently the automobile horn. A potential robber may be deterred by the noise’s unwanted attention. 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.

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.

Anyone seeking for an easy target will be turned away by the appearance of a steering wheel lock, while others may utilize power tools to remove it. For best results, combine a steering wheel lock with another anti-theft device.

Install a tracking system

You might want to think about 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 employ wireless and/or GPS technology to send a signal to the police or a monitoring agency about the whereabouts of your vehicle when it is stolen. 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 leaving your car unattended, Firestone also advises double-checking that the windows and doors are locked.

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 authorities can track them down.

People will know you’ve taken precautions to prevent theft by seeing your VIN (vehicle identifying number) etched onto each window of your automobile. It might not be sufficient to discourage every potential car thief, but it will deter some of them.

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FAQs

What are 4 ways to prevent theft?

Never leave your valuables unattended and keep them hidden, including wallets, cell phones, gadgets, and jewelry.
Carry only what is necessary. Keep superfluous valuables safely within your home.
Making calls on your cell phone should be postponed until you get there.

How do I lock my car to prevent theft?

Adding a steering wheel lock, tire lock, brake lock, or all three will make your automobile more difficult to steal. To confound any potential car thieves, you may also install a covert kill switch. When the car won’t start, they might give up.

What are the best ways to stop theft?

Always keep your doors and windows closed when leaving your room or office, even for a little period of time. Never prop open a door or window or remove the locking mechanism. In a public place, never even for a second leave your wallet, purse, book bag, laptop, cell phone, headphones, or other items unattended.

What is the most common method of car theft?

The use of a duplicate key and the use of basic equipment that doesn’t harm the car are the two most popular ways to open a locked car.

How can theft and vandalism be prevented?

Lock all doors.
Always remember to remove your keys from the car.
Install a remote starter.
Always close your windows.
Get a smart car alarm and an anti-theft device.
Use a steering wheel, brake, or tire lock.
Install a tracking system.
Be on alert.
Etch VIN into windows

What are the 3 causes of theft?

lack of satisfaction.
Desire materialistic things and money.
Peer group influence.

How can we prevent theft and burglary?

Lock your doors, even if only briefly. When leaving, leave the lights on. Connect some lamps to automatic timers to turn them on at night and off during the day if you will be gone for a while. Lock the garage door and keep it closed.

What are the factors of theft?

Jealousy, low self-esteem, or peer pressure are all potential motivators for stealing. Stealing can also be a result of social concerns like feeling alienated or unappreciated. It’s possible for someone to steal to express their independence, to rebel against their family or friends, or simply because they don’t value themselves or other people.

That’s all for this article where we discussed How to prevent car theft. Hope it was helpful. If so, kindly share. Thanks for reading.

How to prevent car theft