Car Break-Ins: Avoiding Car Theft Smash-and-Grab

By Taffene Hollingsworth, NCBC Historian |  November 1, 2011

DID YOU KNOW, our membership has joined the many areas affected by a very busy “car break in”. We are sending these 10 reminders to assist you in avoiding becoming a victim of this type of crime. As we get closer to the Holidays, thieves will be looking for even more opportunities to take items left behind in your car.

 It takes less than a minute for a thief to break your car window and snatch the iPod, laptop or purse on the front seat. Don’t become a statistic. Below are 10 common sense habits and tips for preventing car break-ins.

 Car Break-In Prevention Tips

1. Keep your car visible -Park in areas, that are near people or with a lot of activity nearby and closer to lighting. Avoid having your car concealed by larger vehicles, fences or foliage; thieves like to work in private.

2. Don’t make it easy -Keep windows and sunroofs closed and doors locked. Almost one-fourth of thefts from vehicles are from unlocked cars.

3. Activate your vehicle’s alarm -Don’t have one? Factory-installed and-theft systems are best, but a professionally installed alarm can discourage a car break-in thief who likes to work in silence.

4. Hide your valuables -Many smash-and-grab thieves act on impulse. Keep your stuff out of sight – either with you or in a locked trunk. Don’t count on the glove box; thieves know to look there, and they’re easy to break into. If you have a wagon or SUV that leaves your cargo area open, get a retractable fitted cover to keep shopping bags or other belongings hidden

5. Remove that suction cup mark left by your GPS bracket- thieves may not see your actual GPS, but they see the spot on your windshield where the suction cup sticks-even though you are removing the bracket and storing it away remember to wipe that mark off of your windshield interior. In an area of high profile government parking lots recently, thieves got away with over 25 GPS units as they identified cars with them and found them store in the glove compartments.

6. Don’t hand a thief your keys -Take your keys with you. And if you think you have a great hiding place for a spare key, car break-in thieves know to look above the visor, in the center console, under the floor mat, in the trunk well, etc.

7. Stow your stuff before arrival -Experienced thieves often stake out parking lots to watch for people putting items in their trunk. Help prevent car break-ins by putting valuables, like laptops, messenger bags and electronic devices, into your trunk before you get to the parking lot.

8. Stash the evidence, too - After you’ve put your stuff in the trunk, don’t forget such telltale evidence as power plugs, MP3 adapters and navigation system windshield suction-cup mounts. Thieves know what they’re looking for, so hide the electronic accessories, too.

9. Trust your instincts -If you see suspicious activity, find another spot to park. If you’re concerned, tell the attendant or report your suspicions to police. You may be helping keep another person from being a victim of a car break-in – or worse.

10. Take it one more step -Many vehicles are broken into with the intent of stealing the vehicle itself. Visible anti-theft devices, like steering wheel locks, steering column collars or brake pedal locks, may discourage the would-be thief from breaking in and trying.

Learn more about how to prevent car break-ins - The aftermath of a car break-in can be expensive, both in repair costs and replacement of your valuables, as well as making you feel vulnerable. Help protect yourself with a good auto insurance policy and follow the recommendation of one of the leading insurance company’s provided or contact your own insurance agent.

 We hope you find this information helpful, please follow it. We pray you do not find yourself in this situation. Call 9-1-1 if you see anything suspicious!

May the Lord continue to smile upon you.

 

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