Vehicle theft is a growing problem. In the year to June, 38,100 passenger and light commercial vehicles were stolen. And shockingly, more than half of these thefts occurred when the car was parked at home on the drive.
But not all cars are treated equally. Car thieves always look for the easiest target, which means you can greatly reduce the risk of your car being stolen by deploying a few simple but effective security measures.
Here are seven quick and simple methods you can use to prevent your car from being targeted by thieves:
1. Always Park Your Car In A Secure Location
When parking in town or away from home, you need to think carefully about where to leave your car. If possible, try to use a secure car park that is protected by CCTV. If you must park on the street, use main streets, not side streets.
Another tip is to park your car with the wheels turned towards the curb. This will put potential thieves off because it will take them longer to get the car out of the parking space.
2. Install A Dash Cam
Dash cams are great for helping to establish the cause of accidents when out on the open road, but they have a second purpose in helping to protect your car when it's in a car park or on the driveway.
Choose a dash cam that activates with motion or vibration. And ensure the camera saves footage to the cloud 24/7. This will allow the footage to be used to identify thieves should the car be taken. Some cameras also have built-in GPS tracking which can be used to retrieve the car should it be taken.
3. Don’t Leave Items On Display
When leaving your car, make sure there is nothing on view. And we don’t just mean valuables. Even an empty carrier bag on the seat will increase the risk of your car being broken into.
Keep all items, especially valuable ones, out of sight in the glove box or boot. If you have a hatchback or wagon, make sure the load area is kept covered. The fewer belongings you have on show, the less likely your car will be stolen or broken into.
4. Deploy Visible Security Measures
When parking your car, use as many visible anti-theft devices as possible. The most popular of these is the steering wheel lock, but you could also use a wheel clamp or windscreen blocker.
Even something as simple as a car alarm and tracking sticker can help prevent thieves from targeting your car, even if you don’t have an alarm installed. This is because car thieves will always look for the easiest option.
5. Keep Keys Secure
Believe it or not, your car keys are NOT secure, just because they are in your home. That’s because many people keep their keys in a bowl by the door. This is convenient, but it's also a security nightmare.
Car thieves have taken to using fish tape, used by electricians to pull cables, to retrieve car keys through the letterbox. So never leave your keys by the door. Keep them in a secure container away from the doors and windows.
6. Install Home Surveillance Cameras
Home surveillance cameras are a great way of deterring car thieves. The cameras should be mounted high on the building where they can be seen. As a secondary measure, place signs on the gates to let potential thieves know the premises are being monitored.
You should ensure the cameras use low light level technology and are activated by motion sensors. If you are away from home often, select a supplier that also offers 24-hour remote monitoring.
7. Install Security Lighting
Security lighting not only helps to deter car thieves but it can also be used to illuminate the path to your front door when you return home late. Security lighting can also greatly enhance the footage obtained from surveillance cameras.
Select security lighting that is activated by movement sensors. Security lighting can also be connected to other security solutions such as surveillance cameras to automatically trigger monitoring when activated.
Home Security Systems You Can Rely On
Do you want to reduce the risk of your car being targeted by thieves? Advanced Security Group offers a range of security systems including video surveillance, burglar alarms and security lighting for homes and businesses across NSW.
You can check out our range of home security products here. Alternatively, get in touch to arrange a FREE security audit for your home. We have offices across NSW and you can find your nearest office here.
