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It’s a heartbreaking reality for many Americans every day. They return to their car after a night’s sleep or hours of shopping to find a broken window and missing valuables. While it’s a realistic misfortune, police officers and investigators share mistakes car owners make to invite break-ins. 

Car break-ins happen– but you don’t have to make yourself an easy target

You may have heard the adage “If someone wants what you have enough, they’ll get it.” With cars, the pessimistic saying rings true. However, there are some things you may do to make yourself a more appealing target for malicious opportunists. 

  • Leaving your valuables in sight
  • Leaving your vehicle unattended in high-risk areas
  • Advertising your interests with decals and accessories

The Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) reminds car owners that leaving your valuables in your car is a quick way to invite a break-in. “A locked door and a glass window will not keep someone from getting to your valuables,” LMPD says of your property in plain sight. Tragically, criminals are opportunists. As such, anything you leave in your car– your phone, purse, wallet, backpack, etc– is a welcome mat for a thief.

In addition to your valuables, police departments implore vehicle owners not to leave garage door openers in their cars. Should you leave a garage opener in a car in your driveway or the street, a criminal may break into your car just to access it. After all, your garage likely has a door to your home and valuable contents. 

What’s more, leaving your car unattended in a high-risk area can make you a target for break-ins. For instance, investigators in Oahu, Hawaii discovered that, years ago, the city had around 20 break-ins per day. Incidentally, many of those break-ins happen with cars left in shopping center parking lots and structures, per KHON2 News. Consider moving your car to somewhere secure as soon as you’ve concluded your shopping or business. 

Finally, advertising your hobbies or brand loyalties could make your car a target for break-ins. For example, many gun enthusiasts like to put decals featuring brand logos. While that’s a vehicle owner’s prerogative, a thief might conclude that the car contains a firearm, a valuable grab.

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Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).