Car break-ins not only risk our valuable belongings but also shatter our sense of safety.
This article is your go-to guide, exploring practical and effective methods that can help you both detect and prevent car break-ins.
These methods range from simple yet smart practices to more sophisticated security measures.
How to Detect and Prevent Car Break-Ins
Use a Baby Monitor or a Small Wireless Camera
Consider employing a small wireless camera or a baby monitor to oversee your car’s security.
These devices, powered either by independent batteries or your car’s battery, are inconspicuous but highly effective in deterring potential intruders.
They capture both visual and audio cues, allowing you to monitor any activity near or inside your car.
You can connect it wireless to your phone and get notifications live when something happens. Let’s say someone breaks into the car, the camera will get triggered and will notify you right away.
This setup keeps you informed regardless of your location, providing added security and peace of mind.
Shield Your Car Keys with Aluminum Foil
Believe it or not, aluminum foil can help protect your vehicle from theft. The workings of your car heavily rely on signals, which thieves often exploit to steal your car without the need for physical keys.
Signals utilized by vehicles can be intercepted, but using anything metallic can block these signals.
Particularly in scenarios where your car is parked nearby, in proximity to your residence or beneath your building, it’s alarmingly easy for thieves to intercept the signals emitted by your keys, resulting in an undetected car theft.
By encasing your keys in aluminum foil, you create a barrier that makes it challenging for thieves to intercept these signals.
Additionally, placing your keys inside a microwave oven or even a refrigerator, instead of leaving them exposed near the front door, serves as an extra precautionary measure to prevent signal interception.
Install a GPS tracker in your car
Installing a GPS tracker in your car serves as a smart security measure. Placing it in a hidden spot inside the car ensures that potential thieves might overlook it, even after removing other visible anti-theft devices, granting you an advantage.
This tracker constantly monitors your car, sending alerts in case of any suspicious activity nearby. If your car is moved without your knowledge, this device becomes your silent watchdog, immediately signaling any unexpected movement.
It acts as an extra shield, making it harder for thieves to take your car and significantly boosting the odds of recovery in case of theft.
Having a GPS tracker not only acts as a deterrent but also significantly increases the chances of regaining your vehicle in the unfortunate event of theft.
Install a CCTV Camera System in your Property
Installing a security camera in the area where your car is parked is a smart move. It keeps a constant eye on your property, offering you peace of mind even when you’re away.
If there’s any attempt of unauthorized entry, the camera immediately notifies you on your phone, allowing you to swiftly alert law enforcement.
The idea is the same as having a wireless camera inside the camera (but this time, the security system is part of the house where the car is parked).
Beyond simply safeguarding your car, the camera serves as a critical tool for identifying anyone involved in a theft.
Should an unfortunate incident occur, the footage captured by the camera acts as evidence, making it easier to determine who the culprit is.
Be mindful of the stuff you leave in plain sight
The primary reason for car break-ins often stems from avoidable oversights. Avoid making it simple for potential thieves by being cautious.
When inside your car, ensure the windows are closed. Leaving them open can increase the risk of misplacing your car keys.
Opt for parking spots that appear secure and reliable. Additionally, never leave the engine running when stepping out to make a purchase, no matter how brief the stop.
Whenever you leave the car, even for a short time, it’s crucial to turn off the engine, lock the vehicle, and then proceed. Also, remember not to leave valuable items in plain sight inside the car, as they might attract thieves.
Park with Wheels Turned toward the Curb
Police recommend parking your car with the wheels turned toward the curb. This makes it tougher for thieves who might attempt to use a tow truck for theft.
Stealing a car parked in this manner would demand more effort and complex maneuvers. This added difficulty often deters thieves, raising the chances of someone hearing the thief trying to break into your car.
Another way to protect your car is by marking the glass and mirrors with a VIN or identification number. It’s a cost-effective method and can be done at a reasonable rate.
If your car is stolen, changing the identification number becomes a time-consuming task for the thief to avoid getting caught.
This not only eats up time but also costs money, eventually leading to no profit for the thief. Cars marked with VINs are often avoided by thieves due to these added complications.
Use Anti-Theft Devices for Cars
Anti-theft devices really stop car theft. Things like steering wheel locks, wheel clamps, and gear shift locks make it super hard for thieves to take your car.
They not only make it tough for thieves to drive your car but also scare them away.
Steering wheel locks stop the wheel from moving, wheel clamps keep the car still, and gear shift locks prevent changing gears without the right key or code. You can purchase many of these devices online at affordable rates.
