Keep Your Car From Becoming A Shopping Spree For Thieves

According to the National Crime Prevention Council, it takes a professional car thief less than 30 seconds to break a window, unlock the door and steal anything that’s inside. Property theft from cars is mostly a crime of opportunity. Because of an increase in theft from cars, the Washington, DC Metropolitan Police Department sent these tips to residents and they’re useful regardless where you live:

• Keep Your Valuables Out of Sight Never leave cell phones, briefcases, suitcases, or electronic devices (walkmans, palm pilots, laptop computers, etc.) in your car in plain view. Take these items with you, or secure them—all the time, every time.
• Use Your Trunk If your car has a trunk, use it. Put valuables in there or in a locked glove compartment. Hiding items under seats is better than leaving them in plain view.
• Don’t Tempt Thieves with New Purchases Anytime you’re shopping, place packages in the trunk, not on the passenger seats or floors.
• Remove Your Radio Faceplate If you can unfasten your sound system and take it with you, or lock it in your trunk, do so. And don’t forget to do the same with your CDs and tapes, GPS or other electronic equipment.
• Lock It Up Also, keep your car doors and windows locked—all the time!

Remember: “Outta sight, outta mind”—if thieves can’t see your valuables, they’re less likely to waste their time targeting your auto. Take the time to secure your valuables; it makes a difference. Also consider installing an alarm. Only one in four cars is equipped with a security system, reports the New York Daily News, so most thieves will be deterred by that blinking red light and search instead for cars that don’t scream for attention. For more tips on keeping your car and your valuables safe, check out our post, “Gone In 4 Seconds.”