15 Proven Car Theft Prevention Tips for Better Car Safety and Security

Proven Car Theft Prevention Tips for Better Car Safety and Security

In the United States, there’s a car theft every 40 seconds. For owners who are concerned about car theft prevention, that’s a disturbing statistic. Therefore, it is wise to learn car theft prevention techniques that teach consumers how to prevent car break ins and how to avoid becoming victims.

Boosting your car theft protection IQ is a valuable skill. To begin with, doing so entails proactive measures, like using car anti theft devices, installing audible alarm components, parking in well-lighted areas, using steering wheel locks, and leveraging the power of other auto theft deterrent products.

Knowing how to put car theft prevention tips into practice can lower auto insurance rates and provide peace of mind for diligent vehicle owners.

Understand Why Car Theft Happens

Knowing the main reasons behind car theft statistics is a good starting point. In fact, the essential information helps owners increase car safety and employ strategic car theft protection methods.

Note: Thieves look for cars with high market demand for parts, valuables left out in the open, and an overall lack of theft deterrents.

For instance, vehicles that appear to be easy targets attract thieves’ attention. On the other hand, cars and trucks with advanced features like smart car technology, keyless car theft prevention components, and audible alarm systems cause thieves to seek softer targets for their illegal ploys.

Proactive owners minimize the risk of theft by installing alarms, keeping valuables out of plain view, and using a carjacking prevention device. They park in safe places, attach GPS units to their vehicles, and employ other auto theft deterrent methods and products.

Plus, anyone can enhance their car theft protection quotient by never leaving the engine running while the vehicle is unattended. Protecting fobs and keys, etching VIN’s on the engine, using car covers, installing dash cams, updating any software, putting anti-theft decals in conspicuous places, tinting windows, and consulting with professional, reputable locksmiths who can customize various security solutions.

Knowing why thieves steal certain cars can help owners use the best anti theft system tactics and car theft prevention devices available. Here are relevant details about each of the above-mentioned suggestions:

Car prevention tips

Car Theft Prevention Tips

1. Install Advanced Locks and Alarms

It’s important to invest in high-quality car theft prevention devices, like sophisticated locks and smart car technology. Today’s top-selling smart locks and remote alarms alert owners to any form of unauthorized access. For professional installation of advanced car locks and alarms, Red Rocks Locksmith offers reliable and trusted solutions.

2. Use a Steering Wheel Lock or Brake Lock

Don’t overlook physical deterrents that can serve as effective car anti theft devices. That includes brake locks and steering wheel locks. Their very presence tells thieves that you are not an easy target and understand the value of an advanced anti theft system. Most criminals want to work fast, and are happy to avoid vehicles that have brake or steering locks.

3. Avoid Leaving Valuables in Plain Sight

Always keep your valuables out of plain view to minimize the risk of losing them to a break in. That includes bags, purses, cash, electronic components, groceries, clothing, and anything that a thief could sell. If you must leave valuables inside a vehicle, store them in the trunk, under the seats, or in car safes. Hiding valuables is an easy, no-cost way to cut your risk of becoming a victim of theft.

4. Park in Secure, Well-Lit Areas

Only use parking spots that are visible to pedestrians and are well-lit. Just selecting a good spot can substantially reduce your risk of car theft. Look for areas that are busy and have a lot of security cams in sight. Populated places tend to be much safer because thieves don’t want other people to see them at work.

5. Invest in a GPS Tracker

There’s no faster way for police to locate stolen vehicles than with a GPS tracker. The handy, affordable devices let owners track their vehicles in real-time and boost the chances of recovery. There are several top-selling, reputable brands that offer excellent tracking solutions. Also consider apps that come with notifications and updates of your car’s status for even more security.

6. Never Leave Your Car Running Unattended

Never, ever leave your running car unattended, even if you only plan to be away from it for a few seconds. An empty car whose engine is on is the holy grail for thieves. When doing errands or warming up the engine on a cold morning, do not step away from your vehicle while its engine is on.

7. Protect Your Keys and Key Fobs

Keyless car theft prevention is a product of the technological age. However, it’s imperative to protect fobs and keys from signal interception by high-tech thieves. Use an RFID-blocking pouch to keep crooks from hacking your car’s entry codes. Plus, never leave spare keys in or near the vehicle. Thieves know where to look.

8. Etch Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

Have a locksmith etch your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) onto the engine, a window, and at least one other inconspicuous place on the vehicle. It’s a low-cost way to identify stolen cars when they are recovered. Etching discourages experienced car thieves, who know that those little numbers increase their risk of being caught.

9. Add Window Tinting or Security Film

When thieves can’t see inside your car, they’re less likely to be tempted to steal it. And security film added to windows makes the glass stronger, which is an extra layer of protection.

10. Enable Your Car’s Built-In Security Features

Most of today’s vehicles come with factory-installed security components and features, like immobilizers and advanced alarms. In fact, any type of carjacking prevention device, when activated, can significantly lower that chance that the vehicle is stolen.

11. Regularly Update Car Software (for Modern Vehicles)

If your car comes with anti-theft software, make certain to have it updated per the manual’s instructions. These updates affect keyless entry and similar smart systems that are at risk of being hacked.

12. Use a Car Cover or Garage Parking

Car covers are low-cost ways to keep thieves from seeing the make and model of a target vehicle. Plus, parking in a garage offers another layer of protection against theft. Doing so is also a smart way to minimize damage from environmental elements like sun, rain, hail, and wind.

13. Install Dash Cams with Security Features

To further deter theft, install dash cams that come with motion detection and recording ability. These inexpensive little units act not only as deterrents but as excellent collectors of evidence for use by police.

14. Utilize Anti-Theft Markings or Decals

Keep thieves away the low-cost way, with anti-theft marks, stickers, and decals. Let everyone know that you have in-place security measures. Doing so serves as a major theft deterrent.

15. Consult Professional Locksmith Services for Custom Solutions

Hire a professional, expert locksmith service for security advice, component upgrades, sophisticated locks, anti-theft units, and other tailored solutions. Companies like Red Rocks Locksmith offer expert advice and solutions to boost your vehicle’s security. Don’t wait until it’s too late—take proactive steps to protect your car today!

Prevention of Theft is the Key to Success

Theft Prevention is the Key to Success

Hire a professional, expert locksmith service for security advice, component upgrades, sophisticated locks, anti-theft units, and other tailored solutions. Companies like Red Rocks Locksmith offer expert advice and solutions to boost your vehicle’s security. Don’t wait until it’s too late—take proactive steps to protect your car today!

  • 1. Locks are affordable, effective theft deterrents.
  • 2. Steering wheel and brake locks are widely available and add an extra layer of anti-theft protection.
  • 3. Keeping valuables hidden gives potential thieves less of an incentive to target your vehicle.
  • 4. Parking in well-lighted, safe areas is easy to do and minimizes your chances of becoming a victim.
  • 5. GPS trackers help you and the police find your stolen vehicle.
  • 6. Remember: An unattended car with keys in the ignition and engine on is the holy grail of car thieves.
  • 7. Keep keys and fobs in secure hands.
  • 8. Etch your VIN in multiple, hard-to-find locations on the car and its engine.
  • 9. Tinted windows prevent potential thieves from seeing inside your car.
  • 10. Use whatever security features come with your car.
  • 11. Don’t forget to update safety software regularly.
  • 12. Park in a garage or use a car cover on a regular basis.
  • 13. Invest in a dash cam for extra safety and security.
  • 14. Use decals and stickers to let everyone know your car is protected.
  • 15. Speak with a professional locksmith to maximize your car’s anti-theft capabilities.

If you are one of the millions of adults who own cars or trucks, it’s imperative to take immediate action to minimize your risk of becoming a victim of a vehicle thief. Procrastinating only ups the chance of loss.

Start by employing the tips mentioned above and contacting a member of the Red Rocks Locksmith team. A Red Rocks professional locksmith can show you how to affordably reduce the chance of anyone breaking into, vandalizing, or stealing your vehicle. Call Red Rocks today and stop worrying about car theft.

I am Rebecca Alston and I am a 30 something mother, full time wife, and a foodie! I enjoy writing, decorating, making cookies, playing with my girls, decorating the house and traveling green! Mamas Like Me, my personal blog, is made with love.