Car Crime Prevention Strategies For When The Law Fails You

By Alex Aitken

If you've never experienced car crime, you are likely in a minority. We are all prone to the menace of these inconvenient criminals, and we don't even have to drive something out of a car magazine to get their attention. Their objectives are either the possessions on-board (not unlike a common burglar) or the vehicle itself in the hopes of selling it entirely or stripping it for parts. You can still choose to spare yourself from this widespread wave of criminality.

Full time car thieves see little intimidation from car alarms, given that the public treat these blasting screeches as mere annoyance rather than something to investigate. Instead of installing an expensive alarm system, instead plaster your car with the advertising sticker from a well-known car alarm company. This superficial treatment can usually scare off the novice level car-breakers.

If you have a more skewed taste for colours, you can think about a paint-based deterrent. A study has shown that the differently coloured vehicles of the same model have produce different probability of being stolen. This is no doubt due to the different resale value different colour schemes produce on each vehicle. A bright, unusual color is a safer bet than black or white, but note this deterrence only works on thieves thinking of selling your vehicle intact.

Always remember to hide not just all valuables, but any other items that may hold valuables in themselves. Handbags and laptops are obvious targets, while even a jacket or a schoolbag can be a tempting invitation for anyone looking to pry inside their contents. By simply putting them out of sight i.e. moving them inside the trunk can demote the temptation appeal of your vehicle in the eyes of car park thieves.

Looking for the ideal place to park is an important factor. Unattended car parks are always at the mercy of these rogues, but if you have to leave you car unsupervised, pick the most well lit and exposed spot to ensure maximum pressure on any thief working on your vehicle.

You also need to be aware that an increasing number of criminals are running their own "towing services". By hoisting your car away with a specialist truck in a professional fashion, these crooks have learned to expect little intervention in the middle of their heist. Leave your vehicle's front wheels in a side way position as you park, as this can make their job more difficult than they expect.

Finally, always abide to a simple common sense: there is absolutely no reason for you leave the key in the ignition. Even if you just want to pop in for a quick ATM withdrawal, or just grab a pack of cigarettes, you are providing more than enough time for the an opportunist to jump in the driver's seat and make off with your wheels. There's no need to make their lives any easier! Whether you have a fairly humble Subaru family car or something a bit more flash, make sure you are insured and you take all practical precautions.

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If you have your heart set on a used car, check the web for the car history to ensure that it is not a stolen car.. This article, Car Crime Prevention Strategies For When The Law Fails You is available for free reprint.