Keep Your Car From Being Broken Into

1Invest in a Car Alarm System or Anti-Theft Device

This is primarily the first thing to do when you buy a new vehicle from your dealer. Before driving off with your new purchase, you should ensure that it is fitted with either an anti-theft device or an alarm system. These are easily installed at the point of purchase and are indeed the first line of security for your vehicle. Most vehicles will however have them installed directly from the manufacturer.

2Install an Aftermarket Anti-Theft Device

There are several types of these gadgets which are available from virtually any car parts store you can access. These are quite handy in adding to the security that the aforementioned installations provide – they also don’t require any sort of professional installation to be effective; you simply apply them yourself. Perhaps one of the more common of these devices is the type used to keep the steering wheel locked.

3Ensure Your Doors Locked When You Leave the Car

Locking your car doors is a precaution that you should always practice regardless of how minute the risk may appear to be. Car break-ins and theft have been known to happen in a matter of seconds thanks to the ever-alert car thieves who make a living predating on unsuspecting or assuming car owners.

4The Windows Should Always be Rolled Up

While locking your car’s doors is a vital precaution, it surely will count for naught if the windows are left down; the reason is obvious. Rolled down windows make for the easiest stealing of personal belongings – this is actually the cheapest loss you will incur. The worst case scenario certainly has to be the theft of the vehicle itself.

5Refrain From Leaving Your Valuables in Plain Sight

You may be cautious enough to always keep your windows up and your doors locked – this is well and good if potential car thieves can’t see the valuables inside. It is extremely prudent to remove all types of property that may attract the attention of thieves, especially when the vehicle is left unattended. What types of property attract attention? Thieves will break into your car when they see items like shopping bags, purses, briefcases, backpacks etc. They will make every effort to reach these so as to search for cash, credit cards, laptops, etc. 

6Tint Your Car Windows

This is a great way to forestall the chances of your car being broken into or stolen altogether. A potential thief will have the hardest of times trying to figure out whether the car is occupied or not, or whether there are valuables inside inviting enough to risk a break-in. Another good thing about tinted windows is that by-standers can easily pick out suspicious characters simply by observing their peeking and peeping actions.

7Never Leave Car Keys in the Ignition

This is a basic step in as far as keeping your car from being broken into and/or stolen is concerned. In the occasional haste that we are regularly caught up in, it is quite easy for this to happen. All drivers should make a habit of putting the car keys in their pockets or handbags as soon as they exit and lock the vehicles. Failing to do this presents car thieves with an opportunity that they simply cannot walk away from.

8Resist the Urge to Leave Your Car On and Unmanned

Just as has been mentioned with reference to car keys, the tendency to exit a running car and rush to, for example, pick a can of soda from a self-service store can be quite inviting. This action can however be the perfect opportunity for an opportunistic auto thief who may have just be lurking in the vicinity without as much as waiting for such a lucky break. The thief will calmly stroll into the vehicle and drive away virtually unnoticed. The prudent thing to do is basically to always switch off the vehicle, roll up the windows, and exit the car making sure to carry the car keys after locking all the doors. This should apply regardless of how safe the location may appear to be.

9Your Choice of Parking…

Whenever possible you should always make an effort of parking your vehicle in a spot that is well lit such that it is well visible even from a considerable distance. A potential car thief will find it most difficult to target such a vehicle because his/her every move will be seen.

In the unfortunate scenario that your vehicle is broken into or stolen, your first action must be to inform the local police. Give them details of what has been stolen. If the car has been stolen you should provide a vivid description of your car in terms of plate details, color, type, etc. If the stolen items include credit cards, you should hastily inform your bank to preempt any loss of cash

       Written by Samuel Muriithi