Car theft is a serious concern, even today. Car thieves often steal cars in order to take them to illegal chop shops where they are hacked up for spare parts. This lucrative underground business might sound far-fetched, but it could even claim your car if you’re not careful.
Here are some of the top tips you can use to keep your car from being stolen.
Car thieves generally prefer to operate at night under the cover of darkness. As such, consider parking your vehicle in well-lit, conspicuous areas with lots of cameras and people around. Likewise, keep the doors locked at all times and make sure you don’t have any valuables laying out in the seats or where would-be thieves can see them. The most important thing to remember is that car thieves want to go for the low-hanging fruit.
A blinking light that serves as a reminder of an anti-theft device can be a powerful deterrent for would-be thieves. Installing anti-theft devices into your vehicle alone can make thieves think twice about messing with your vehicle. This goes double for a newer vehicle, as many thieves may even be worried that your car has a tracking device within.
Speaking of, if you’re worried about your car being stolen, consider including a GPS tracking device in it to keep it from being out of your sight. You can give the police the exact location of your car with the GPS device, ensuring its safe return to you.
If you park overnight on the street, turn your wheels toward the curb and put your car’s parking brake on. This makes your car harder to tow, which is a common way thieves cart off vehicles. Consider also etching your vehicles VIN number in all of the windows, making it so that the thieves will have to replace all of the glass. Finally, if you’re confronted by a carjacker, comply with them. Don’t try to start a fight. Just try to remember their characteristic and calmly give them what they ask for.
You can replace your car, but your life isn’t replaceable. Call the authorities if your car is stolen and they will do what they can to make sure it is returned to you.
