Car security is just as important as car safety. To ensure that you and your valuables stay safe and secure, follow these five simple steps.
Always lock your doors both inside and outside your vehicle
Basic car security starts with locking your car doors. While most people have a habit of automatically locking their doors, very few drivers double check to make sure that their doors are indeed locked. Familiarize yourself with your car’s various safety features. Some doors lock automatically if left idle over a period of time, while others flash lights that serve as a reminder.
If you lock your car doors by remote, make sure that you hear the beep accompanied by the distinct locking sound of your car doors. Be sure that you’re standing in front of your car with the doors clearly visible. A surprisingly high number of car break-ins are due to negligence or carelessness.
Park in a well-lit, public area
Be wary of where you park. Don’t simply entrust your car to the nearest parking slot you can find, especially at night. Even the loudest car alarms and the sturdiest of car doors are no match for a crowbar and a determined thief.
Even during the daytime, make sure your car is parked in a place that is watched over by professional security or is at the center of a lot of foot traffic. Thieves are, of course, warded of by the public eye.
It’s always better to be safe than sorry
If you feel you are risking the safety of your car or your belongings, don’t attempt to park or leave your car unattended. These seemingly harmless risks are what nearby criminals look for and exploit.
When you’re unsure of the security in the surrounding area, don’t gamble your car or your belongings by parking there. Look for a parking area that’s safer and more secure instead of gambling your own safety for a convenient parking slot.
Don’t store valuables in your car
Even if your car is insured, it’s likely that your valuables aren’t. If you’re going to a safe and secure location, it’s best that your valuables stay with you at all times. Don’t leave them in your car, regardless of how safe you think parking slot may be.
If you need to store valuables in your car, make sure you do so out of plain sight. Keep any belongings in the glove compartment. If you plan on moving your things (like a laptop or other large valuables) to the trunk of your car, make sure to do so before parking. This will keep your valuables away from prying eyes who might be scouting your car.
Be alert of your surroundings when walking back to your car.
Just because you’re nearby doesn’t make your car safe from theft. If anything, thieves view you as their way into your car. This is why it’s important that you keep an eye out while walking back to your parking slot. Keep an eye on any suspicious individuals who may be shadowing you, particularly those who are right in your blind spot.
If you feel you are being followed, take out your mobile phone and quickly call someone you trust so that they know where you are should something bad happen to you. If you’re nearing your car, have your keys in your hand. This will allow you to get into the car faster. A lot of remote car keys even have panic buttons that set of the alarm of your car to attract attention.
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