Protecting Your Car Against Theft

protect your car from theft

In the warmer months, thefts involving cars tend to increase. As people begin to spend more time outdoors, many leave belongings in their car while they are visiting parks or even leave their cars unlocked or windows rolled down.

The most important thing you can do to protect your car is to not make it a target.

Most importantly, lock your car and take the keys. Approximately 50 percent of all vehicles stolen were left unlocked and nearly 13 percent of all vehicles stolen had the keys in them. Also, don’t keep a second set of keys on or in your car.

Second, park in well-lit, attended lots. Over half of all vehicle thefts occur at night, and thieves don’t like the spotlight or witnesses. Having your vehicle in these areas means less of a chance, because thieves are likely avoiding them all together.

Third, never leave your car unattended.  Not even just to run into a store for a minute or even run to across a parking lot to a Redbox. Leaving your car just for a second makes your vehicle a prime target. Vehicles are commonly stolen at convenience stores, gas stations and ATMs.

Next, completely close all car windows and keep valuables out of view. An open window makes your car easy to access and if a potential thief can see the valuables in your car, it becomes a desirable target.

If you can, park in a garage and lock both the car and the garage. Parking your vehicle inside protects it from thieves as well as from Mother Nature. By locking both the garage and vehicle doors, you greatly improve the chances of deterring a thief.

Did you know that many car thieves use tow trucks to steal vehicles? You can make your car hard to tow away by parking your vehicle with the wheels turned toward the curb, if you are parked on the street. Wheels should also be turned to the side in driveways and parking lots so the vehicle can only be towed from the front. If you have rear-wheel drive, back into the driveway. Rear wheels lock on four-wheel drive vehicles, making them difficult to tow. Front-wheel drive vehicles should be parked front-end first. In all instances, whether in the garage, in a driveway, or in a lot, use your emergency brake, as this too makes it harder to tow.

Finally, break the habit of leaving registration and other identification papers in the car. Titles should be in your home files, preferably in a locked safe of some sort, and the registration to your vehicle should be in a safe place in your purse or wallet. If a thief was to get a hold of your vehicle, they then won’t have the documentation to sell your vehicle.

Infiniti of Cool Springs offers a variety of New and Certified Pre-owned vehicles at its Cool Springs location, that will help keep your family comfortable and safe. Visit their showroom in person or see their vehicles online. Call today to make an appointment, 888-356-6427.

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