10 Practical Tips to Avoid Car Theft
Stay Vigilant to Avoid Getting Victimized by Car Thieves
In 2019, the FBI reported 721,665 cases of motor vehicle theft nationwide. Although the numbers have decreased over the last few years, car thieves continue to roam the streets, plotting their next moves.
These thieves have become savvier, using new tactics that make it easier for them to steal and harder for them to be tracked by the police. They now use smart keys and switch vehicle identification numbers to avoid detection.
Others use the deflated tire method. They’d inform you that your tires are deflated. When you get out of your vehicle to check your tires, right there and there, they get inside your car and drive off.
Being vigilant is the best way to protect your car from theft. Here are 10 practical tips to avoid car theft:
- Lock your doors and roll up your windows at all times.
Most car thefts resulted from unlocked car doors. You’ll attract a thief if they see your car unlocked or windows not rolled up all the way. That said, always check your doors and windows before leaving your car in the parking lot.
- Never leave your keys in the ignition.
If you do, there’s a big chance that any thief who passes by your car will simply break your car’s window and drive off. Also, never leave your car running if it’s unattended — even if you’re just making a quick trip to the grocery store. Thieves will see it as an open invitation to hop in your car and drive off.
- Don’t leave the spare key in your car.
If you have a spare key, always carry it with you whenever you leave your car. Don’t hide it inside your vehicle — not under it, not in the glove box, not anywhere but with you.
- Park in a well-lit place.
It’s easier for thieves to steal your car if it’s parked in a poorly lit area or somewhere with no passersby. That’s why more than half of all vehicle thefts take place at night. Make it a habit to park in a crowded area where there’s good visibility to guarantee protection against burglars.
- Install an anti-theft device.
Investing in anti-theft devices like a steering wheel or brake lock is another surefire way to deter car thieves.
- Install an audible alarm system.
If your car didn’t come with an alarm system when you bought it, you might want to buy one. The alarm is designed to produce a loud noise if someone attempts to break into your car, which will cause them to run in panic. That will teach them a lesson!
- Install a tracking system.
While a tracking system technically doesn’t prevent car theft, it’s there to give you peace of mind. In case your car gets stolen, it will use wireless and GPS technology to emit a signal to the police or a monitoring service indicating your auto’s location. Local authorities will be able to recover your vehicle faster this way.
- Use the emergency brake when you park.
An engaged emergency brake makes it more difficult for thieves to tow your car away. Since this will take them a lot of time and effort to do, they’ll likely find another vehicle to target.
- Etch your VIN on the window.
You may want to have a professional etch your VIN on one of your car windows so that your vehicle can be traced more easily in the event it gets stolen. Plus, with your VIN etched on the window, your car will look less appealing to burglars, which means that they won’t bother taking it.
- Don’t leave valuables inside your vehicle.
Any car that has valuables within plain sight inside it is always a top target for thieves. Whether it’s your phone, wallet, laptop, or even a couple of dollars, be sure to keep your valuables out of sight or store them in your trunk.
Thinking of How Best to Dispose of an Unwanted Car? Here’s a Bright Idea
Do you have an old car that you haven’t driven in a year and no longer intend to use? You might as well get rid of it for a worthy cause, one that can help save the lives of the children in your community who are battling life-threatening diseases. You can do that by simply donating that automobile to us at Kids Car Donations.
We’ll sell your vehicle at an auction and use the proceeds to support the vital children’s health care programs of our nonprofit partners. These IRS-registered 501(c)(3) nonprofits use the funding we give them to provide their young beneficiaries with free comprehensive and quality medical assistance, including innovative solutions to pediatric health challenges, emotional support, and relief of pain and trauma. These charities also promote children’s health care, advocacy, research, and education.
You’ll also benefit from your donation since it will entitle you to receive the maximum tax deduction in the next tax season. We’ll also provide you with our free towing service.
However, the best reward you’ll get from your donation is not a material thing. It’s the joy and satisfaction you’ll experience, knowing that your gift will be used to help sick children recover from their illness.
We accept nearly all vehicle types, including those that are no longer in good condition. You also need not worry about how you can hand over your unwanted auto to us. We’ll be able to collect your donation anywhere within the United States, and, yes, the towing fee is on us.
To find out the details of our quick and convenient vehicle donation process, head over to our FAQs page. If you have inquiries or concerns, feel free to give us a call at 866-634-8395 or leave us a message online.
Help Give Ailing Kids a Chance to Enjoy Their Childhood
You can touch the lives of those kids in your community who are in serious health peril. All you have to do is donate an unneeded vehicle to Kids Car Donations. Call us at 866-634-8395 or fill out our secure online donation form now!