How to Safeguard Your Car from Summertime Thieves
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has deemed July as Vehicle Theft Prevention Month. And just because today is final day of July, doesn’t mean your anti-theft practices should be abandoned.
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According to the NHTSA, 765,000 drivers deal with a vehicle theft annually, and in the U.S. a car is stolen every 41 seconds.
“Vehicle theft is a crime that hurts consumers and the economy,” said Heidi King, NHTSA Deputy Administrator. “Lock your doors and never leave valuables inside, especially if they can be seen from outside the vehicle.”
Thieves will be particularly attracted to your vehicle if you leave purses, wallets, cell phones, and wallets in plain sight. Then, they’ll focus on your car’s components including the radio and engine parts.
Don’t make your car an easy target by stashing a spare key on the outside of your vehicle or leaving your windows down, even just a crack, or doors unlocked, notes Safewise Writer and former Police Officer Alexia Chianis.
“Parking in a well-lit area will help deter criminals, but parking close to building entrances and near parking lot security cameras adds extra layers of protection,” according to Chianis. “Parking garages are often considered safe places for parking your car so it won’t get damaged, but parking in an isolated garage could compromise your personal safety. If you do use a parking garage, try to park as close to the attendant or a security camera as possible.”
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To make it as difficult as possible for a thief to vandalize, ransack, or outright steal your car, the NHTSA suggests investing in an antitheft device or system.
News Source: NHTSA, Safewise, NHTSA
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