Preventing Car Theft
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Having your car stolen or items from your car taken is the last thing you want to discover after a long day at work. There are two kinds of car thieves, the Professional and the Opportunist. Here is some advice on understanding who these car thieves are and what you can do to protect your car against theft.
The Opportunist
The opportunist car thief is someone who sees your car and takes it, either for the belongings inside; to assist with a different crime; or simply for a dangerous joy ride. Cars stolen by an opportunist are usually found damaged afterwards.
The Professional
The professional car thief usually works in groups and is after your car for the profit. This person is after either specific parts of your car or will alter the entire vehicle in order to resell it.
However, whether the car thief is an opportunist or a professional, if your car is unprotected then they can break in within a minute.
Protecting your Car
There are various simple ways in which you can protect your car:
- Never leave the car unlocked or the keys in the ignition when your car is unattended.
- Strategic parking - if possible park in a garage or business car park. Avoid parking on roads or in dark, poorly lit areas. Look for places with a large amount of pedestrian traffic.
- Don't leave valuables in the car, or at least not visible from outside. If you intend to hide your valuables, do so before parking the car. If a car thief is watching while you hide your belongings they will know immediately where you've placed them.
- Don't even leave loose change visible from outside the car. A car thief will cause hundreds of dollars damage for a few coins.
- Don't hide a spare set of keys around or inside the car. As clever as you think you might be, it can be assured that car thieves know all the hiding spots.
- Having your car's VIN (vehicle identification number) etched into a car window.
Along with this, you can outfit your car with different security gadgets that can also be very effective at, if not completely deterring a thief from stealing your car, then at least slowing them down and allowing more time for them to be discovered. It's suggested you employ more than one of these anti-theft devices:
- Car alarm system
- Engine immobiliser
- Steering wheel lock
- Bonnet and Door locks
- Ignition Shield
- Ignition/Fuel cut-out switch
- Battery Isolator
- Vehicle tracking devices
If you suspect your car has been stolen or items taken from within...
You should immediately call the police, giving them the car's registration number, make, model and colour along with informing them of the location and time of the car's disappearance.
Next, notify your insurance company. They will most likely ask for the same details and should also be informed that the police have already been contacted.
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