When you experience a vehicle break-in, thieves take more than just your possessions. Their selfish act can shake your sense of security.
You’ll be left to clean up the physical and financial mess. You can’t 100% prevent vehicle break-ins, but you can avoid being an easy target.
Let’s look at what you should be doing to prevent vehicle break-ins. Let’s get started!
How Can I Protect My Vehicle From Break-Ins?
Break-ins are typically crimes of opportunity. A thief likely didn’t set out looking for your specific vehicle but took action when they spotted an easy target.
If a thief wants to get into your vehicle, there’s very little you can do to stop them. However, there are some things you can do to avoid being an easy target.
Lock Doors and Close Windows
Any time you leave your car unattended, you should lock your doors and close the windows. It doesn’t matter whether you’re only running in for a minute or two; thieves can steal your belongings in a matter of seconds.
If your vehicle has a key fob with a lock, it’s a good idea to double-check that you have locked your doors as you walk away. Your vehicle may honk to show that you have locked it and your things are secure. This not only helps alert you but anyone in the area that your vehicle is protected.
Install An Anti-Theft Device
Thieves want to draw as little attention to themselves as possible. Installing an anti-theft device could set off an alarm that may draw the attention of bystanders.
Once eyes are on the thief, they’re most likely going to run to avoid getting caught.
Park in Well Lit Areas
Thieves often want to blend in. They’ll look for opportunities to maneuver in the shadows where it’s not only hard to see but also nearly impossible to make out any identifiable features. Where you park can significantly reduce the chances of experiencing a vehicular break-in.
If you’re looking for a parking space at night, park near security lights and cameras. Thieves may not risk getting caught on camera or seen by others. It’s a good idea to install cameras and motion-sensitive lights if you’re parking your vehicle in your driveway at night.
If anyone does approach your vehicle, you’ll have video footage of the situation and can stand a better chance at recovering your property.
Keep Your Valuables Out of Sight
One of the biggest mistakes people make is leaving their valuables out in the open. All it takes is for a person to walk by and catch a glimpse of an expensive tablet or laptop, and your car is a target. You could lose your expensive gadgets forever in only a few seconds.
Before leaving your vehicle, take the time to secure any belongings that might attract attention. Some drivers will place them in the trunk to keep them out of sight. Thieves shouldn’t want to draw attention to themselves, and you don’t want to draw attention to your vehicle.
Tint Windows
Window tinting can make it challenging for an ill-intentioned person to peek inside your vehicle. However, not all vehicles come with window tinting. Window tinting doesn’t just protect your valuables, but it helps control your vehicle’s climate.
You can typically find window tinting installers in your area. Do your research when selecting an installer and read plenty of reviews. You’ll also want to make sure that you and your installer are familiar with the legal requirements for window tinting in your area. If you install window tinting that is too dark, you could run into issues with law enforcement and possibly receive a ticket.
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What Time Do Most Car Break-Ins Occur?
Most car break-ins occur in the early morning hours when most people sleep. This is why you should make sure you lock your vehicle at night and make it a habit to check before going to bed.
However, break-ins can occur at any time of day. It’s a good idea to do all that you can to protect your vehicle when you leave it unattended. You can never be too safe when it comes to protecting your vehicle.
How Do Car Thieves Break Into Cars?
Sadly, most vehicle break-ins don’t occur how you might expect and aren’t all that dramatic. Thieves typically look for the easiest possible targets. These are often vehicles that you leave unlocked in driveways or on streets. They can walk up one side of a road and down the other, attempting to look as inconspicuous as possible as they search for unlocked vehicles.
If necessary, thieves will break into a vehicle by busting a window. However, breaking a window may make a lot of noise and attract attention. They’ll likely only do this if they see something of value worth the risk, and they can make a quick getaway.
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Which Cars Get Broken Into the Most?
The most popular vehicles for thefts are older ones, specifically Ford and Chevrolet pickups. Honda Civics and Accords are popular targets for thieves. This is because of the ease of breaking into them, and they typically lack additional security features. An experienced thief could be in one of these vehicles in a matter of seconds, whether you lock it or not.
What Is the Hardest Car to Steal?
Technological advancements have made it more difficult for thieves to break in and steal vehicles. However, drivers often forget to use technology to their advantage. If we’re being honest, a locked car is the most challenging car to steal.
Overall, many of the electric cars we’re seeing are incredibly difficult to steal. They have GPS monitoring, multiple cameras that provide constant surveillance, and remote shutdown capabilities. The technology is so new that many thieves aren’t going to take the risk.
Have you ever been the victim of a vehicle break-in? Tell us your story in the comments!
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