With Christmas swiftly approaching and lots of people stowing their holiday treasures in the car when out and about, it’s a good time of year to learn how you can deter criminals from targeting your vehicle. Follow these commonsense guidelines to avoid car break-ins and smash-and-grabs.
Lock Your Doors & Roll Up Your Windows
Sounds simple enough, right? But many drivers tend to leave their doors unlocked and windows partially rolled down, especially if they think they’ll just be gone for a few minutes. However, near the holidays and any time you have valuables on hand, it’s pivotal to keep your car locked up. Even sunroofs should be closed.
Keep Your Car Free of Clutter, Especially Backpacks & Bags
You may think your car is just full of everyday stuff that no one else would care about, but car thieves are known to break into cluttered cars. Backpacks are especially tempting items to take, since people sometimes leave electronics and other higher value items inside these and other types of bags.
Stash Items Before You Park - Not After
When hustling from one store to another, don’t just throw your bags and boxes in the backseat. Make sure you put them in the trunk before heading to your next destination. If you move your items to the trunk after you’ve parked at a new location, there’s a chance that a thief could be watching. Experts also recommend that you don’t leave your car in the same spot if you’re simply dropping gifts off before walking to another nearby store or restaurant. Moving the car to a new spot is ideal.
Park in Visible, Well-Lit Spots
The less visible your car is, the easier it can be for thieves to break into it without anyone noticing. Always try to park in visible spots that aren’t covered by lots of foliage, walls or vehicles much larger than your own. Also park in well-lit areas when you’re shopping at night.
Purchase a Cargo Cover
If you’re on a shopping spree, using a cargo cover is a great way to hide what you’ve got in the trunk if you drive a hatchback or SUV. Camelback Ford’s technicians can install a high-quality cargo security shade on your vehicle for a great price.
Don’t Leave Valuables in the Car Overnight
Enough said.
Purchase an Alarm System
Get yourself a factory car alarm if you don’t have one already. The noise from alarms is typically enough to make a thief run off right away. Contact us for details about factory options and installation costs.
If a crook goes one step further and decides to steal your car, it’s also a good idea to have On-Gard Theft Protection or SkyLink on your side. Both MPP plans significantly improve the chances of finding stolen vehicles. Plus, On-Gard acts as a theft deterrent because it places visible registration numbers in several areas on a vehicle, which indicates that the car is protected.