Unfortunately, not every apartment complex comes with enough parking spaces to accommodate all the tenants vehicles. It’s easy to recognize ways to keep your home safe, but what about your car when you have to park it in the street? Here are some tips for limiting the opportunity of your car being a target or car theft.
1. Lock up: It may seem like an obvious tip, but surprisingly many people forget to do this. Don’t walk away from your vehicle without making sure that it is completely locked and all windows are closed and secure. Even if you are only “running in for a minute”, never leave your car without locking it first.
2. Set your car alarm: Not all car alarms turn on automatically. Some cars require you to switch on a switch, sometimes located underneath the steering wheel. Key-less entry remotes sometimes also require you to press the lock button more than once to set the alarm.
3. Park in Well lit areas: It is much easier for a car thief to be spotted attempting to break in to a car where others can see your car. Try parking in an area that is light, such as under a lamppost or near stop lights. Where you park your car will dramatically lower your chance of a break-in.
4. Use physical deterrents: Steering wheel locks make it impossible for a thief to leave with your car, even if they are able to get it to start. Having a lock on the steering wheel works similar to the way a safety gate works. It is a physical deterrent to discourage people from trying to break in to your car.
5. Remove your valuables: Don’t leave your valuables in your car, especially where someone can see them. Remove the temptation that visible valuables can be for a car thief. It is also a good idea to not leave valuables in your car, even if they aren’t visible, in case your car does get broken in to.
6. Parallel Park: Thieves might try to roll your vehicle away to a more secluded area where they can start your car. Parking between two other cars can make it hard for a thief to do this unnoticed. Parallel parking is a good deterrent to car thieves.
7. Leave a spare key with a neighbor or friend: If you have more than one car, or if you need to leave for a business trip, it might be a good idea to leave the spare keys with someone you trust. Weather can be unpredictable, and sometimes cars on the street may need to be moved for snow plow removal. In case you can’t make it home, a neighbor or friend can move the car for you so you don’t have to worry about getting your car towed.
