7 Smart Strategies to Secure Your Car from Carnapping
There are various ways to safeguard your car from thieves and carnappers. You do not have to invest a great deal of money or time to ensure that you are safe and that your property is not stolen. According to ABCNews, over 600 cars are stolen each day in the United States. Here are seven ways that you can protect your car and family from carnappers.
Park in a Safe Place
Remember to park in a location with a great deal of light, especially when it comes to parking lots. Safewise.com suggests that when parking your car near a security guard or camera, it reduces the likelihood of a carnapping. When walking around at night, make sure to stay alert and be aware of your surroundings. In many instances, people are focused on their cell phones and neglect to notice someone lurking behind a car or standing in a dark corner.
If you notice anything suspicious, make sure you report it to a security guard or the police. If you need to park your car for a long period of time, beware of long term parking facilities. In many occasions, these facilities are poorly monitored which can make them magnets for thieves. If you must park your car in these facilities, park in lit areas with a great deal of foot traffic.
Properly Maintain Your Car.
Most newer cars are usually equipped with a quality alarm system. However, there are businesses out there that will install alarm systems for older cars. Depending on your budget, you can safeguard your car with an alarm system that can deter thieves. There are a variety of cars such as Hondas and Toyotas that are magnets and most experts suggest that you install some sort of safety mechanism. According to Edmunds.com, thieves will push against or hit a car to see if an alarm is activated before stealing it.
Another way to deter thieves is to make sure your car is in proper shape. If your car breaks down on the side of the road in the middle of the night, you may be a victim of a car napping. In many cases, the person will demand all of your valuables almost immediately. In other instances, they may help you with the repairs and steal your car once it is operational. If your car does break down while your driving, always call a reputable tow truck company such as AAA that can prove you with assistance.
Roll Up All Windows and Keep Your Doors Locked
Even if your car is parked in your own driveway, you should always look around before exiting. Make sure to roll up all of your windows and lock your doors. According to ABC News, most cars are stolen because the owners forgot to lock the door or roll up the window. This is a preventive act that can be avoided.
Even if you are parked at home, never leave valuables in your car. If you must keep certain items in your vehicle, make sure they are not in plain view. When driving around, keep all valuables on the floor instead of on the seat. In many instances, car nappers will drive beside you and look into your car to determine if you have valuables. Some of the items that are routinely stolen include laptop computers, cell phones and backpacks.
Check Your Mirrors for Anyone Following You
In many instances, carnappers will follow you to your final destination. If you do not look around, they will wait until you exit your car and rob you of your property. Many thieves may also trick you by engaging in the “bump and rob”. For example, they will rear end you and once you exit the car to survey the damage, they will rob you or take your car. If you are skeptical, make sure you drive to a place with a great deal of activity. Never pull over on the side of an empty road if you are involved in a minor accident.
Don’t Keep Your Keys in Your Car
If you are jumping out of the car even for a minute, never leave your keys in the car. Many people will leave their keys in the ignition, especially at the gas station or a small convenience store. It can be very tempting to leave the keys in the car when unloading groceries or running into the house to pick up something small. However thieves will capitalize on those opportunities and steal your car in a matter of minutes. You should also keep track of all of your spare car keys. Never leave a set of keys hidden outside because many thieves know the traditional hiding spots.
Do Not Stop for People on the Side of the Road
If you are worried about anyone walking alone at night or on the highway, call 911 and allow the police to handle the situation. In many instances, a person will pretend to not have transportation and once you stop, they will either take your car or rob you. Never transport strangers that you do not know because they can also try and take your car also.
Park Your Car in the Driveway or Garage
When parking your car overnight, try and store your car in the driveway instead of on the street. The street has less visibility and the person can steal your car in a manner of minutes. At home, if you have a garage, it is better to park your car there and lock the garage every night. Sheds Sunshine Coast can create some car shelters that also protect your car at night. Make sure all walkways and driveways are lit because thieves tend to like to steal cars at night. Remember that even if you live in a relatively safe neighborhood, thieves are always lurking around corners, ready to steal your possessions.
In many cases, carnappers will target cars that are old because they are less likely to have the same security mechanisms. These thieves will take your car, dismantle it, and sell it for its parts. However, more and more newer cars are stolen each year, which is why it is important for everyone to protect their cars.
