Did you know that almost 55,000 homeowners reported a vehicle stolen from their property last year? Over 220,000 people reported something was stolen from their car during the same period.
Auto theft, and crime in general, is on the rise in Australia. Hopefully, you haven’t been victimized. What can you do to protect yourself and your car from becoming a target?
Car Alarm
Car alarms or car security systems use a combination of sensors and a control unit to monitor different aspects of your car. These include door sensors, motion sensors, and glass break sensors. The sensors send a signal to the control unit, which sets off an alarm to draw attention to the car and discourage thieves.
Advanced systems can track your vehicle through GPS and disable the car from being started or moved even if a thief gains access. These high-tech systems require a specific combination of buttons on your dash to be pushed to operate the car. This is like punching a code into a home security system, with the exception that you are using buttons on your dashboard.
Car Keys
Most car thefts result from using the owner’s own keys. Thieves break into your house, locate and steal your car keys. Keys left hanging on a hook by the back door, or on the kitchen counter are easy to find and steal.
When not in use, keep your car keys in a safe location. Keep a spare new car key locked up with our other valuables. If your original car keys are lost or stolen, you will still be able to operate your vehicle.
Always lock your car and take your keys with you.
Valuables
DO NOT LEAVE VALUABLES IN YOUR CAR! Almost all car break-ins occur when a criminal sees something of value left in the vehicle.
It presents the perfect crime of opportunity. Purses, laptop bags, and suitcases left in plain sight in a vehicle are an invitation for thieves to smash and grab. Even if the bags are empty, the temptation of scoring a quick laptop or wallet is too great.
Home Security
Make sure your home is secure. If your home and garage entrance are in the shadows you are more likely to encourage thieves to try and steal your car.
Visible security cameras act as a deterrent to anyone lurking around your property. Put motion-activated lights on the front, back, and sides of your house, as well as your garage. You want to make your place less inviting to potential thieves by keeping it well-lit.
If your vehicle is stolen contact your insurance carrier and the local authorities
GPS
As a last resort for older vehicles, install a GPS. You can get them for $30 from Amazon. If your car is stolen, it allows you to view its location from your phone.
As a companion you can place a sticker on your windshield, alerting thieves to the fact your vehicle is protected with a GPS device. It may cause them to think twice, or look for easier prey.
