Cops Share How To Avoid Getting Your Car Stolen
Instances of car theft have exploded in the last few years. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that a car is stolen in the United States every 32 seconds. That’s right, in the time it took you to heat up that cup of coffee in your microwave, another poor soul is frantically calling the police to report their stolen ride. Don’t fret, though; you can better protect your car with these tips from cops.
Cops across the country recommend these tips to lessen your chances of having your car stolen
A stolen car isn’t a good thing. You may never see your vital commuter or beloved collector car again. Best-case scenario, the authorities recover your car and your title status changes due to the theft. Tragically, that means your resale value typically takes a pretty substantial hit.
However, that doesn’t mean you’re doomed to a stolen car. No matter how theft-prone your locale, you can protect your car, truck, SUV, minivan, or EV by using these tips from cops who routinely work thefts.
- Lock your car
- Remove your valuables or keep them out of sight
- Park in well-lit areas, preferably with camera coverage
- If possible, park your vehicle behind a layer of security, like a garage door
- Consider anti-theft devices, like steering wheel locks and alarms
Ok, the first tip seems like a bit of a no-brainer. I mean, lock your car? Duh, right? Well, it might be less obvious than you think. Most criminals in most circumstances are opportunists. The path of least resistance with the lowest risk is the way to go.
“Criminals are looking for that opportunity to strike because you forgot something. Your neighborhood may be nice, but what if a random person walks down the street and sees your vehicle open or running and attempts to take it from there?” That’s Officer Prince Flores of the Toledo Police Department talking to WTOL11. “It just means you have to be very cautious.”
As such, forgetting to lock your car removes an obstacle for thieves and makes it that much easier to make off with your precious car. That said, cops recommend keeping your valuables out of sight. “I think nowadays, everyone is just in a hurry. They leave their things behind in their cars, whether it’s valuables or their wallets, cellphones, something we would always carry on us,” said Saginaw Crime Prevention Officer Lyle Esterhai.
Additionally, drivers should park in well-lit, secure, preferably camera-covered areas. These factors are a natural deterrent for thieves looking for the easiest possible stolen car quarry. Better yet, parking behind a gate or in a garage is that much better.
Finally, cops recommend using some sort of anti-theft device. For instance, it might seem old-school, but a brightly-colored steering wheel lock could be just enough to prompt a thief to move on to the next car.
