Don't Leave an Empty Car Running

As unbelievable as it sounds, there are still individuals in the United States who leave the keys in their empty car, and their car RUNNING while they go into a store for a few things. Why someone would do this is a mystery to many, and a great opportunity for car thieves. Nothing makes for an easier steal than an unlocked car with keys and a running engine. The above scenario seems to be a blatantly un-smart move on the part of the car owner. However, running cars are not the only ones that are frequently stolen. Some cars are stolen for no obvious reason, but others are stolen simply because they are easy targets for people who steal cars for a living.

Tips on How to Protect a Car

First and foremost, it's essential that the doors on a car be locked each and every time the car is either parked on the street, in private covered parking spot, or in any sort of parking structure. An unlocked car is very inviting to car thieves, and is much easier to steal than cars which have locked doors. So, even if the car is only going to be left alone for five minutes, its doors should be secured. Spare keys should not be kept inside of a vehicle. Many people "hide" a spare key to their car in the car's glove compartment, or in another common place within the car. This is a very bad idea. A thief may break into a car to reach something sitting on the passenger seat, when he just happens to find the car's spare key. What a great opportunity for him to simply drive off with the car! Keep the car's windows and sunroof closed when the car is empty and parked. An open window is simply easy access to the interior of a car. There is no point in locking a car's doors if the windows are going to remain open - even a crack. In very hot weather, people tend to leave the windows open in their cars so that heat can escape, but it's better to have to air out a car for a minute before entering it than dealing with a car that has been stolen. Don't leave personal information in a car. In the unfortunate circumstance that a car is stolen, the last thing a person wants is their personal information stolen at the same time. Personal information, such as a person's full name, address, social security number, phone number, etc… can lead to identity theft. And, a thief who steals cars will probably not be the most trusting person when in the possession of personal information. For obvious reasons, a car is safer in a locked garage than on the street or even in a driveway. If a garage with a locking door is not available, a driveway is the second best option, as long as the doors on the car are locked and the car's windows are closed. Try to not leave a car parked overnight on an un-lit street or in a dark area. Darkness is a thief's best friend. When attempting to steal a car, a thief would rather do so in the protection of darkness so that nobody can see what is happening. While it seems as if there are many tips to remember in order to help prevent a car from being stolen, these recommendations are really comprised of "common sense" ideas. It should be fairly easy to do everything possible to prevent a car from being stolen.