Von Schledorn Auto Group Official Blog
Protect What’s Yours: How to Avoid Auto Theft
By Product Expert | Posted in Safety, Tips and Info on Wednesday, June 29th, 2016 at 1:42 pm
By most statistics, up to $4.5 billion is surrendered every year due to automotive theft. This applies to both the theft of vehicles, as well as the theft of property that is taken from inside a car. But how do you avoid auto theft in the Milwaukee area? For the most part, it’s crucial to use common sense, but drivers might sometimes not realize that they are putting themselves in harm’s way.
How to Avoid Auto Theft
Think Like a Thief
You may not want to actually enter the headspace of a crook, but it helps to know what a potential thief is looking for when they’re looking for an ideal mark. They’ll likely look for cars that are isolated, or that are parked in poorly lit locations far from prying eyes. They’ll also look for valuables that are sitting in plain sight, and preferably in cars that are unlocked.
Use Locks and Keys Wisely
What’s the point of having a car that can be secured if you’re not going to use the locks and keys that would keep a would-be robber out of your car? A great deal of break-ins actually occur right in the driveways and parking lots that we assume are our actually our friends. That’s why it’s so important to keep your cars locked, and to remove keys even when your car is parked in the relative safety of your driveway.
Read More: Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Used Car
The Best Offense is a Good Defense
It would seem that the best way to prevent a car thief from troubling him or herself with your car would be to make your car seem like it’s more trouble than it’s worth. That’s why you should park in a well-lit area, and subscribe to one of the many reputable built-in alarm systems. As an added bonus, these systems may allow you to save on insurance premiums as well.
Read More: How to Talk to your New Teenage Drivers
Know if You’re a Target
Some cars are more ripe for the picking than others, since they tend to be more popular with thieves. Many of today’s most popular sedans are among the most frequently stolen vehicles, since they tend to blend into the surroundings relatively well. Also popular with thieves, as you can probably imagine, are newer pickup trucks and sports cars. It doesn’t hurt to be aware of the potential for theft in your particular car.
Now that you know of the potential ways to avoid auto theft, we hope you’ll be proactive in keeping your car and possessions therein safe. We hope that you’ll have a safe summer travel season, and that you’ll come see us soon at EVS Auto Group!
