- Park off-street [in our neighborhood, parking in the garage is safest…two thefts from garages reported in twenty years, and there were special circumstances facilitating these thefts]. If that isn’t possible, the furthest in, most obstructed spot [behind locked gates, etc] is next best. On street parking is riskiest.
- DO NOT leave “popular” items visible in a parked vehicle [no phones, backpacks, purses, briefcases, laptops, phones, etc…and think twice about a visible charger cord]…Be extra cautious if you carry a weapon.
- If you do not need your key in the ignition to start your car, check with your dealer or manufacturer to see whether you need to keep your key protected from cloning at a distance and making theft easier.
- Understand your alarm system–if any. Most perform faster with locked cars; a few might serve you better with the car unlocked. [Some neighbors have been pleased with the use of tiny stick-on motion detector alarms on their windows…sometimes cheap at dollar stores–try before you buy a bunch. You don’t want them alarming if you hit a pothole].
- If you park on the street, turn your wheels to the curb.
Longer term considerations?
- Check the theft rate for any vehicle before you acquire it.
- Check with your insurance company to see what the insurance cost would be (shop around for the best rates).
- The most dangerous sort of car theft is carjacking. Be vigilant when buying gas or stopping at stores. Never leave your keys in the ignition, or personal items in reach through unlocked doors.