5 Tricks to Prevent Car Break-Ins

Whether you’re parked outside your home or in a parking ramp downtown, theft prevention starts before you even leave your vehicle. Most car break-ins are crimes of opportunity, so follow these tricks to prevent thieves from burglarizing your vehicle.

Hide Valuables

If you have valuable items that you must leave in your vehicle such as a laptop, briefcase or shopping bags, keep them out-of-sight. Most thieves are opportunistic, so if they see something that is valuable, they may try to smash the window and take it. Cover up valuables with a blanket, leave them in the trunk or place them under the seats.

Look Doors and Windows

This may seem obvious, but make sure all doors and windows are locked and up. This includes the sunroof. Break-ins can happen quickly and an unlocked door or cracked open window makes your car an easy target.

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Park Near Others

If you are leaving your vehicle in a parking lot, park near other people and in an area where there’s plenty of people coming and going. If possible, park in a spot that is well-lit.

Be Alert

Be on the lookout for anything suspicious where you leave your car. Are there people lingering around the area that shouldn’t be there? Trust your instincts and never leave your car in an area where you feel it is unsafe.

Use Anti-Theft Measures

If your vehicle has an anti-theft or security system, use it! Consider window tinting if your area allows it. Never keep your keys in the sun visor or under the wheel well as thieves know to look in these spots. After-market devices such as a mechanism that can lock the steering wheel can also give you some extra peace of mind when it comes to keeping your vehicle safe.