For some of us, a car break in feels not just like a robbery, but an invasion of our intimate space; for others, though, it can cause a domino effect of financial loss.
Last week, I was having breakfast at a local restaurant and I saw an old friend that was working as a server. Asking how she had been doing, she revealed that her car had been broken into in her driveway the night before. The thieves managed to take the contents of her purse, which, unfortunately, was her rent money and car payment.
My friend lives in an upscale area, but unfortunately this type of thing can happen anywhere, even gated communities. Her car was also unlocked, which is almost an invitation to thieves.
In fact, according to the neighborhood’s Facebook page, Summerville is a prime area where thieves operate here locally.
Of course, it is easy to blame the victim for leaving valuables out exposed, but how often does anyone really think about their car as being unsafe sitting in their own driveway? How many times has each of us pulled into the driveway and left the windows down in summer, thinking we would return in an hour or so to shut them, only to forget and be reminded when a pop-up shower comes along and rains all over the interior.
I have had my vehicles broken into several times over the years, and it always feels like a huge violation of my security. The locations and times have varied enough for me to believe that it can happen to anyone.
The statistics on vehicle breaking and entering are almost impossible to pin down due to the way they are reported, Looking at the data, I think that they are on the rise. Roving teams of criminals can hit entire neighborhoods, easily swiping items out of locked and unlocked cars alike.
While some of these events are unavoidable, there are ways you can reduce the risk of vehicle break ins. Thieves want an easy mark, and there are a few things you can do to make your ride less of a target.
The biggest deterrent to theft is easy, and fairly obvious: Lock your doors. Criminals looking for a quick hit will rummage through unlocked cars in about 15 seconds. With no alarm sounding and no glass to break, it makes you an easy target.
The next thing is keeping valuables out of easy sight. Purses, bookbags, luggage, and computer cases are what criminals look for the most. Their contents not only have monetary value but hold important things that can get your identity stolen as well. Consider using tracking technology like Apple Air Tags in your bags to make recovery of items like this easier. Keep all items like this in the trunk concealed or consider taking them with you when you are away. Thieves cannot steal what isn’t there.
Parking in a well lit and traveled area is also a deterrent. Thieves love dark places with no one around. Consider installing cameras and motion detecting lighting where you park at home. While some cars still get broken into no matter where they are, a more anonymous situation is much more ideal for criminals.
Sometimes a sudden light coming on, triggered by motion detection, is all it takes to scare the criminal away.
Upgrading your car’s security system is another great way to decrease the risk of a break in. While many cars have factory systems already installed to do a good job of keeping your entire car from disappearing, most lack features to keep people out of them.
Recently, I installed a small steel plate safe box in my console that locks with a combination. I paid $75 for it and it was installed in minutes. While not a completely fool proof accessory (I am skilled at lockpicking and could crack it in a few minutes if I needed to) it does add another layer of protection to smaller valuables like jewelry, credit cards, cell phones, and firearms.
Other additions, such as dash cams that records the inside of the car can be added and gather images of the perpetrators. Some even offload the footage to a server, so if the camera gets stolen, the footage isn’t lost.
Another way criminals target vehicles is by the stickers put on them by owners. Decals referring to firearms, the second amendment, tool companies, and other companies that make high dollar items mean that there might be a chance those items are in the car. Be careful advertising what is in your car or you risk losing the items. Thieves will ramp up the risk for a bigger reward.
None of these methods are one hundred percent effective. If someone wants to break into your car, they inevitably will. Making your ride a hard target is really the only thing we can do to keep from being a victim.
If you do have a break in, make sure to call the authorities and make a report. This gives the police heads up to look for patterns that may lead to the arrest of the criminal. Many times, whole streets or neighborhoods get hit so any piece of info is good.
Be careful not to touch any part of your vehicle as soon as you realize it has happened, as fingerprints can be used to identify who did it and may link to other break ins.
As for me, I will see you on the road!
