Practical Anti-Car Theft Tips and Strategies

How important is your car for you?  If it is, then you ought to have some sort of security system or alarm system installed.  Let’s face it, car theft is a reality and you do not want to be a victim.  But before you buy expensive car alarm systems or gadgets there are several practical security tips you need to know to protect your vehicle from theft.   And surprisingly, some anti-car theft tips are quite simple and sensible.  Plus, it won’t cost you a fortune.

You have the right to protect yourself to prevent losing your car or belongings inside your vehicle.  Here are some simple steps you can take.

Anti-car theft parking tips

• Park in a well-lit area – It is a wise move to park in a well-lit area.  First, car thieves would rather get vehicles that will not draw attention to themselves.  Having an area that is well-lit adds a layer of protection.
• Choose a space closer to security personnel – Whether it is in an office building or public establishments, it is a good idea to park near security personnel.  Let’s face it, even if there are security personnel patrolling the area, they won’t see everything.  However, getting closer to them will definitely improve your visibility to the security personnel.  Another alternative is to park in an area where a CCTV camera can easily see you.  This will help investigators should the unthinkable happen.
• Find a place that is easily seen – visibility and access is important when it comes to securing your vehicle.  An unobstructed location will surely improve your car’s security.  Walls, hedges and even trees can obstruct the view.  But I understand choosing parking beside a tree for the shade.

The reality is most drivers just park anywhere.  And taking too much time assessing the parking area can be inconvenient.  This is why these tips should come as second nature to you.  Accessibility and visibility helps improve your car’s security when parked. 

In the end, we need to park in a place where it is safe.  Some neighborhoods are more notorious for car theft or vandalism.  You may want to reconsider parking in these places. 

Car alarm and security system tips

• Check your car lock system – One of the most important car security system that you have is your car’s lock.  Having one that works is a huge advantage.  In today’s automotive industry, many car lock systems incorporate more sophisticated alarm systems and not just to lock the doors.  Suffice to say, make sure your car doors lock properly.  If they can’t get in your car, your system is doing a fairly pretty good job.  This means, when your locks fail, have it checked at once by a reliable company.
• Layer your protection – it is a good idea to have several layers of protection for your vehicle.  This way, when one system fails, there is another one that works.  Combining both sophisticated alarm system with more rudimentary ones is beneficial.  For example, you may want to use a steering wheel lock to augment your electronic lock and alarm system.  The whole idea is, make it more difficult for the thieves to get your car.  Spending more time trying to defeat your car alarm system is basically discouraging for thieves. 

Anti-Car theft tips at home

Most people put their guards down when they are at home.  Why not?  This is supposed to be a safe place for you.  However, car thieves can strike anywhere.  So here are some anti-car theft strategies you may want to employ.

• Use infrared motion detectors – this may sound like something out of a James Bond Movie but infrared motion detectors have become cheaper lately.  They work by sending out infrared waves and when movement is detected, they will sound an alarm.  Some even have lights that switch on.  You can get them for around $10 and are easy to install.  This is an excellent device especially if your parking area at home is open.
• Lock your garage door – as simple as it may sound, this is a practical tip that many still fail to do.  Before you go to bed, make sure you check the garage door.

 Simple measures to protect your car can go a long way.  Security system and alarm systems for cars have become a staple in fighting vehicle theft.  But what is most important is using one’s common sense to prevent car theft.  Of course, we do not want to be too paranoid when going out or leaving our car behind.  With a few tweaks in our behavior and a couple of devices, we can improve your car’s safety and security.  Do not be a statistic!