Imagine walking out of a lavish mall after a fabulous shopping spree, with your keys in your hands, fully intended to make the most of the day by grabbing a Domino's pizza on the way back home…But guess what? As you move through the parking lot to stop at your parking spot, your car, with its fresh alloy wheel repair, is not there, much to your chagrin. Annoying, right? It must have happened to you at some point in life. Auto theft, although less common these days due to improved security and advanced vehicle systems, is still a big reason to worry for vehicle owners. You must ensure your vehicle is protected against such crimes by adopting the following practices.
Learn a Bit about Joyriding & Auto theft
While learning about car accident prevention, consult with a lawyer to know about crimes like joyriding where a person takes your car away without your permission with no real intention to keep it. It is vital to know the ways to prevent such incidents. Consult with an expert lawyer specialized in Vehicle Code 10851 or auto theft offense and know about preventive measures and inherent criminal implications.
Lock Your Vehicle
Always ensure to lock your car while you are leaving it for an appointment or a day at work. Even if you are inside the vehicle and occupied with something like talking to someone on the phone, checking your texts or tinkering with your audio player, activate the locks. Unlocked doors are a strong temptation for someone intended to steal your car for a sell-away or a leisure ride.
Keep Your Car Keys With You
Never leave your automobile with the keys inside. As per 2015 statistics from the National Insurance Crime Bureau, almost 57,096 vehicles were reported stolen due to the keys being inside. It is quite common to leave your car keys fitted in the ignition or lying on the seat. You must know it is an invitation for burglars to rob you of your precious asset. Take care to keep the keys with you, the locks activated and the windows rolled up before you leave. Furthermore, do not leave any spare key in the console or the underside of your car; thieves are usually aware of such places. I advise you leave the spare keys at home with a family member or at your workplace.
Be Vigilant Of What is Stored Inside
While you may believe it is okay to keep your bags, backpacks, electronics and external GPS devices inside the car or on the dashboard, that paradigm may actually cost you your valuable vehicle. These accessories tempt burglars to break into the car and once they are inside, the urge to ride off with your car is too strong to resist. Change that belief and avoid keeping such expensive items inside the car. The power of your self-belief will surely keep your car safe & protected.
Buy A Car Alarm System
Consider investing in a reliable, top-quality car alarm system to ward off the risks of autotheft, especially if your car is an old make. New vehicles usually come equipped with a standard alarm system with sensors that alert you in case there is a burglar intervention. You should also register for services like On-STAR, which remotely deactivates your vehicle as soon as it is reported stolen or lost. They normally charge a monthly fee but it is worth the security and peace of mind that comes with the realization that your car is safe.
