In the last few years, crimes against vehicles have escalated. Theft and damage assessed from breaking in to steal personal property or the vehicle’s upgraded accessories has skyrocketed. It is estimated that each year, $1,255 billion dollars in personal items and car accessories are stolen from vehicles. By practicing a few simple habits, you can significantly reduce the risk of your automobile becoming another statistic. With that in mind, we at Texan Lock and Key would like to share some tips and advice on how you can keep your car safer and avoid it getting victimized by a break-in.
How to Avoid Someone Breaking into Your Car
1) Keep Doors Locked. This first suggestion seems like a pretty obvious one. The number of people who think their neighborhoods are safe, or presume running into a gas station for five minutes is enough to deter criminal mischief is more than you might think. Most vehicles are vandalized because of convenient circumstances. Few vehicle break-ins are planned. If a person spots an easy mark, despite the area of town you are in, they will often cease an opportunity.
2) Avoid clutter in Your Car. Keeping your car tidy and bare makes it fairly obvious that there are no valuables lying around. To those so inclined, spotting shopping boxes, packages, purses, backpacks, and other personal effects will make them presume there are valuables to loot, promoting your vehicle to be ransacked.
3) Conceal Valuables in Vehicle. In the event you need to carry valuables in your vehicle, always keep them out of sight. Utilize the glove boxes, compartment boxes, and under the seat to hide your treasures. Keeping personal property out of view will deter the thieves from gambling on a vehicle that may or may not have a payload stashed away.
4) Utilize Trunk Space. When you are on a shopping binge and visiting multiple locations, always put your purchases in the trunk where it will remain unseen. Those who are experienced will often walk the parking lots in search of an easy score. Shopping bags clearly marked lingering on the backseat is a sure way to get your car broken into.
5) Close Windows & Sunroofs. The perfect weather often inspires the windows and sunroofs to open up. Wanting to air out the stagnant smells and make it fresh results in the windows or sunroof left open, even just slightly. Resist the urge. Seasoned thieves can manipulate glass and can easily gain entry to your vehicle. Keep the windows and sunroof tightly secure when you are not around.
6) Car alarms. Car alarms are well worth the investment. When someone is breaking in to your automobile and loud noises emit from the car, it draws attention to it, and that is one thing criminals do not want, at least while they are committing the act. More often than not, a car alarm can chase away ill intent.
7) Original Audio System is Choice. The upgraded sound systems add motivation for your vehicle to be targeted. Keep in mind, there is no demand for factory audio-systems, and in most cases, factory stereos produce adequate quality music for your commute.
8) Park in High Visibility Areas. Always opt for the well lit parking spots that are open and in high traffic areas, it will make your vehicle less vulnerable. At home, use the garage for its intended use and keep your car safely tucked inside.
Automotive Locksmith Services & More iN KILLEEN, AUSTIN, SAN ANTONIO, ROUND ROCK, SAN MARCOS, FRISCO, NEW BRAUNFELS & HOUSTON TEXAS
By instituting these tips in your life, you can increase the safety of your vehicle and the valuables inside. On the flip side, sometimes you can be locked out of your vehicle and need assistance. Contact Texan Lock and Key if this circumstance happens and our trained experts will quickly and efficiently get you back into your vehicle without inflicting any damage.
