Investing In Car Security: Tips for Preventing Car Theft and Break-Ins
Posted on September 11, 2024
In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it's easy to overlook the safety of our cars until it's too late. Car theft is on the rise in Ontario, with estimates ranging from 24,000 to 52,000 stolen vehicles each year.
Regardless of the exact number, one thing is clear: it's way too high. What's even more concerning is that these figures keep climbing every year, according to all sources.
But don’t worry, with a few savvy strategies and some practical precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim of car-related crime. In this blog post, we'll explore some simple yet effective tips for investing in your car's security.
What To Do to Prevent Your Car Being Stolen?
Some of the most important actions you can take to protect your car don't cost a penny and take just a few moments. Yet, it's common for people to overlook these basic steps when they're in a hurry, even though they're the first line of defense against theft.
1. Keep Your Car Doors Secured and Windows Shut
To keep your car safe, always remember to lock the doors and shut the windows whenever you're not inside. It's a basic but effective way to deter thieves. Most property crimes happen when there's an easy opportunity.
Leaving windows open or doors unlocked can tempt thieves or make it easier for them to sneak in unnoticed. By keeping everything locked up tight, you make it less tempting for them to target your car, often prompting them to move on to an easier target.
2. Keep Your Car Keys Safe
It's simple: never leave your keys inside your car, even for a quick errand. Plus, be smart about where you stash your spare key. Leaving it anywhere near your car, inside or out, is like an open invitation for thieves.
With modern push-start technology, a thief doesn't even need to physically find the key inside the car, just its presence nearby is enough for them to drive off with your car.
The last place you should store your car keys is inside the front door of your home. Thieves can use a relay theft device to pick up the signal from your car key fob and transmit that signal to your car to start it remotely.
They do this right through the walls, or doors. Invest in a Faraday box or bag to store your key. It blocks electromagnetic fields and prevents the signal from being captured. They’re very effective.
3. Choose Safe Parking Spots
Where you park your car matters. If you have access to a secure garage, use it – whether it's your own or a company's. Go for well-lit areas if you're parking outside to discourage thieves.
Avoid secluded spots and opt for places where security cameras are present, like parking spots under CCTV surveillance. Just the thought of being caught on camera can make thieves think twice.
4. Clear Out Your Car
Keep temptation at bay by removing any valuables from plain sight. Don't leave your purse, phone, luggage or other pricey items inside. Even empty shopping bags or an old gym bag can catch a thief's eye, so stash them away too. They’re an open invitation for a thief to smash the window and grab the contents.
Consider using your trunk for storage, or if you've got an SUV or truck, invest in a cargo cover for added security.
5. Keep An Eye on Your Car's Wheels
Surprisingly, about $1 million worth of tires vanish every year. Why? They're quick to snatch and have a decent resale value, especially the fancy ones. Securing your wheels not only deters thieves from swiping them but also stops them from driving off with your ride.
Lug nut locks and wheel clamps are handy gadgets to keep your wheels safe. However, wheel clamps are more for those times when you're leaving your car unattended for a while or parking in a sketchy area.
6. Use Your Car Alarm
Modern cars usually have an alarm system built in. When triggered, typically by someone trying to open the door or start the car while the alarm is on, it blares loudly.
This noise alone can scare off a thief, as they won't want the attention it draws. If your car lacks a built-in alarm or you feel it's not enough, you can buy an aftermarket alarm for added security.
7. Enhance Your Car's Security
Enhance your car's security with safety devices like door locks, window closures, and well-lit parking spots. Invest in a vehicle immobilizer to prevent unauthorized starting, deterring hot-wiring attempts.
Consider adding a steering wheel lock for extra defense, making your car more challenging to steal and increasing the risk of detection for would-be thieves.
8. Make Sure Your Car Is Properly Insured
Investing in a comprehensive auto insurance policy ensures that if the worst happens and your car is stolen or damaged, you'll be covered for your losses.
With hundreds of thousands falling victim to car theft or break-ins annually, taking this simple step can make a big difference in protecting your vehicle and belongings.
9. Never Leave Your Car Running When You're Not Behind the Wheel
It might sound obvious, but even a brief dash inside while leaving the engine running can invite trouble. Opportunistic thieves, even those without much experience, can slip into the driver's seat and vanish with your vehicle before you realize it. And since they're already on the move, they could be miles away while you're still searching for your keys.
10. Know Your Car
Even though it's not something you want to dwell on, being familiar with your car's details can make all the difference if it ever goes missing. This means knowing its make, year, color, model, license plate number, vehicle identification number (VIN), and any unique features it has.
These might seem like simple things, but you'd be surprised how many people don't have these basics down for the vehicle they use day in and day out.
Anti-Theft Devices to Help Protect Your Car from Theft
You can do a lot to keep your car safe from theft without opening your wallet, but if you want to step it up, there are options. Consider investing in anti-theft systems to take your protection to the next level.
1. Surveillance Systems
Having a security camera or similar device that can catch a thief in the act means your car stays under watchful eyes while parked at home. If the camera doesn't scare off the thief, at least you'll have footage to identify them, making it simpler to track them down.
2. Lock Down Devices
Equip your car with anti-theft devices to put off potential thieves and make it tougher for them to snatch your wheels. One effective tool is a steering wheel lock – it's a sturdy metal bar that immobilizes your steering wheel unless you've got the key, throwing a wrench in any thief's getaway plans.
Plus, these locks are hard to miss, serving as a warning sign for would-be burglars and reducing the likelihood of your car being targeted in the first place.
3. Alarms
You've probably heard about car alarms - they're those loud, attention-grabbing sounds that go off when someone tries to mess with your vehicle. They're like instant sirens that alert everyone nearby.
Once that alarm starts blaring, any would-be thief is likely to rethink their plans and make a swift exit. Just the sound of an active alarm is often enough to send them running and keep them away from your car for a while.
4. GPS Or Other Tracking Software
GPS or other tracking software can be a lifesaver if the worst happens and your car gets stolen, despite all your precautions. With an onboard anti-theft GPS system, you'll be able to track your car's exact location, making it much easier to catch the thief.
These systems work by sending your car's location to your computer or smartphone, allowing you to monitor its whereabouts round the clock.
Why It’s Crucial to Secure Your Car
Just imagine being stranded, having to rely on rides everywhere because your car got swiped. It's a hassle that nobody needs. Even if your car gets broken into but not stolen, you're still left dealing with repairs.
But here's the good news: you can do something about it. While most cars come with basic alarms and anti-theft features, they're often not enough.
That's where a car tracker can step in and give you that extra layer of protection you need. With added security measures, you can breathe easier knowing your ride's safer, and if the worst happens, you've got the tech to help track it down.
Put These Tips in Action – Beef Up Your Car's Security Today
Investing in your car's security doesn't have to be rocket science. From simple deterrents to high-tech solutions, there are plenty of ways to keep your wheels safe from theft and break-ins.
By taking a few proactive steps, like installing a reliable alarm system or choosing a car tracker, you can enjoy peace of mind every time you hit the road. Remember, it's all about making those small but smart investments to protect your ride and keep those pesky thieves at bay.
Drive happy and stay safe out there! For more tips and news about everything automotive, visit our blogs page.