Protect your car from break-ins - Here’s how

Whether you’re an avid enthusiast of your vehicle or perceive it as a mere means of transportation from one place to another, you need to protect it appropriately, as it’s one of your most valuable assets.

Break-ins are becoming increasingly common in the whole world. Approximately 108,500 motor vehicle thefts were reported in the UK and Wales alone in 2021/22, according to Statista. This is, without a doubt, discouraging news, which should increase awareness regarding car protection. If you’ve never been a victim of vehicle burglary, that’s amazing, but never say never. In case of the contrary, you’re probably nervous that you’ll find its doors open and belongings broadly dispersed around when you return to your car - or find it completely missing. Indeed, thieves are more likely to steal the valuables inside your vehicle, but the second variant is still valid. That’s why you need to take steps and protect your car from theft in all its forms.

Apart from the numerous anti-theft solutions you can opt for, you can adopt some simple yet practical precautions to keep burglars away from your car. Read on to learn how to secure your precious asset!

Lock it - always!

Sometimes, even the most innocent habit, like forgetting to lock your car when popping in for a coffee, could lead to an incident. Surprisingly or not, burglars don’t want to work too hard to steal your vehicle and, more often than not, will take advantage of such situations. That’s why it's always important to lock your car’s doors and double-check if they’re really locked before going away. Also, don’t forget to close the windows - most car crimes are frequently crimes of opportunity, so avoid giving thieves easy entry to your asset by simply adopting this simple habit of locking anytime you leave your car.

Consider a steering wheel lock

Steering wheel locks are an additional precaution that you may want to adopt, especially if you keep valuables in your car. They are a visual deterrent that won’t let opportunist burglars gain entry to your vehicle, particularly if you opt for high-quality ones. Some popular choices include anti-pick and anti-drill locks - these not only take a while to remove but also keep your cat safe from traditional break-in and advanced break-in methods such as keyless and cloning entry.

Watch your car

Technological advancements in the property security industry have become unimaginably valuable, so any individual wishing for extra safety will opt for at least a CCTV security camera to watch over their vehicle. Security cameras nowadays are no longer the same as ten years ago, as they come with modern features like crip HD resolution, adjustable camera angles, AI-powered intruder detection, a weather-proof body, and trespassing notifications to your very mobile and alarms (which we’ll talk about in detail in the following). Besides, these devices are equipped with various night vision modes, allowing you to see people approaching your car even in the darkest of darkness. And, as a top tip, consider adding a sign on your vehicle saying that intruders are being watched by advanced CCTV. Suppose it’s not even so; people are often afraid of this kind of warning and will probably give up their crime try.

Ensure you have an alarm in place

Most burglars act silently, so the last thing they wish for is to alert the whole neighbourhood with a beeping vehicle alarm. A car alarm is the ultimate theft prevention solution; luckily, most new cars nowadays benefit from this feature. If yours isn’t that fortunate, don’t get discouraged - you can get an alarm installed in no time. A car alarm can be programmed to start shrieking whenever an intruder forces your doors or tries to bash out the windows. Most likely, this intelligent device will alert you or a sympathetic onlooker on the crime that is to take place or ward the thieves off.

Install safety devices

Practical precautionary actions like parking in a lit area and locking and closing your windows will protect your car from burglary. Nevertheless, these malicious actors can have a trump card to play. In that case, extra security is required. Apart from a steering wheel lock, you can also install a vehicle immobiliser. This device is designed to prevent hot-wiring, thus starting the car by bypassing the ignition system. New vehicles usually dispose of this technology, but you can also purchase it from an auto store. Likewise, you can install a driveway security light - it will make a potential theft visible to anyone nearby. There’re so many devices you can use to protect your car and valuables within it from malicious individuals that it’d be impossible not to find a suitable one. Everything from cameras and safety alarms to sensors and lights can be bought from specialised stores or companies like Traffic Angel. So, you only have to start your research and purchase a device that best aligns with your views about vehicle safety.

Park your car in secure, lit areas

Ideally, you’ll park your vehicle in a garage, whether yours or a company’s one that demands a fob to access. Nonetheless, if you don’t have this possibility, try as much as possible to park your car in secure areas, preferably busier and well-lit. It’s crucial to be selective about the place you leave your vehicle, as this is the first weak point for a burglar. Most car thefts occur at night when no people are around to notice the crime. So, since we can’t always predict when the duty calls for us in the middle of the night, we have to park our vehicles somewhere far from darkness. Also, be sure the chosen place is often frequented so that in the event of the unthinkable, you’ll have some witnesses on your side.

GPS - your best friend

In case of theft, a GPS will be your best friend. So, ensure you install this small device inside your car but out of people’s sight. Preferably, avoid places like the OBD2 port and wheel wells, as clever thieves will check there. Instead, consider placing it under a fold of carpet or plastic body panels. Also, ensure you connect it to your smartphone to receive alerts every time your car enters or leaves certain places without your permission.

Cynthia Madison is a young blogger and economics and marketing graduate. She writes about home, lifestyle and family topics and is a senior contributor to popular niche publications.