Preventing Car Thefts and Thefts From Vehicles
Officer Kim Jones of the Montgomery County Police Department in Maryland provided this advice.
During the time period between 07/28/19 to 08/03/19, we have seen an increase in the number of car thefts and thefts from vehicles in the 6th District. Most motorists don’t think about car theft prevention until it’s too late. But the fact is, learning how to prevent a car theft and thefts from your car is simple. So, if you don’t want a criminal sitting behind the wheel of your car or taking your stuff you need to remember the following:
1. Lock your vehicle
Let’s not make it easy for criminals. Whenever you park your car (even in your own driveway) close and lock the windows/doors/sunroof to help prevent car theft and theft from vehicle. Resist the temptation to leave windows cracked during the summer.
2. Don’t keep valuables in your vehicle
An iPad, purse, or even loose change in plain view is eye-candy to a criminal. Criminals will smash a window to take anything of value. If you absolutely must leave a valuable item in your car, put it in the trunk. However, your safest bet is thinking ahead and leaving valuables at home.
3. Use an anti-theft device
Thieves are looking for an easy target, one they can conquer quickly without drawing attention to themselves. Equipping your vehicle with an alarm system is only half the battle, you must take the next step and activate it after locking your vehicle.
4. Don’t leave your car running
Never leave your car unattended if it's running. Leaving your car running not only invites theft, it’s also illegal. If you’re not behind the wheel, turn your vehicle off.
5. Keep track of your keys
Many people make the mistake of hiding a spare key under the wheel-well or some other place under their car. Some motorist have spear car and house keys in their cars’ glove box/arm rest area. Criminals have caught on to this and will steal your car and burglarize your home. Also, if you have given a spare car key to someone who no longer needs it, ask for it back immediately. Also, take your key fob with you.
6. Park intelligently
Parking in a well-lit area will help deter criminals. Also, parking close to building entrances and near parking lot security cameras adds extra layers of protection.
7. Take advantage of a tech-based auto recovery tool
If despite your best efforts the worst happens, employing an auto-theft recovery tool could help you get your car back before it’s ruined. These systems use GPS technology to pinpoint your vehicle and transmit that information to us.
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Gtreat advice...best to be n the habit of always locking your car
Roy, Good message you have provided here this morning. I agree that locking the car doors should be done before leaving it.
Good morning, Roy Kelley wonderful list of points to remember to avoid a car theft.... I'd be very unhappy about that!!
That's the best way to give someone passport to steal!!!
Never leave your car unattended if it's running. Leaving your car running not only invites theft, it’s also illegal. If you’re not behind the wheel, turn your vehicle off.
These are great tips, I would be very sad if I came out of a store or something and my vehicle was gone.
Good morning Roy. Gone are the days when you could leave your car unlocked and the windows down! Enjoy your day
Good morning, Roy - simple protection works well. Don't be an easy target.
Roy,
These are simple common sense tips to make sure your car is not stolen. There was a time when we left keys in the car in the driveway...A
Good morning, Roy. Items #1, 2, 4, and 6 are such common sense it's almost amazing it still needs to be mentioned. Since I've only ever lived in huge or large cities, basic car protection sense was always part of the equation... but I can see how people who are from less populated areas would ignore some of the security measures.
#2 . #4 and #5 - Most of the time when there is a car stolen with an infant or young child in the backseat you hear that the parent left the key in the ignition and the engine running.
Those are all important preventative measures to car theft. I was just reading our local NextDoor this morning. And, a car was burglarized a few blocks from my home. And, no, the owner had not locked the vehicle parked in his driveway.
Good advice Roy!!! We have also had those expensive wheels being stolen from cars as well.
Thanks so much for your feedback. It is always good to hear from you.