Recent reports show car thefts have increased vastly across the nation. Among those break-ins, nearly 40% of vehicle thefts occur at a driver’s place of residence. These statistics detail a harrowing reality for car owners in 2022. While you might assume a car theft won’t happen to you, any driver could fall victim to a carjacking, theft, or vandalism incident. That is why we’ve gathered a list of important tips for vehicle theft prevention. In addition to real-time statistics from the NHTSA.
Here are the best tips for vehicle theft prevention
Driver-error is the leading cause of car thefts in America. A simple mistake, such as leaving your car unlocked overnight, could result in a car theft by morning. Intruders will take advantage of your vulnerability and get their hands on anything of value. Not to mention, any item that could be sold in an instant. To reduce your risk of invasion, we’ve compiled a list of helpful pointers for drivers to consider this year.
Let’s start with the basics:
- Never leave your keys in or hidden outside your car. You can’t assume a place is “safe enough” to take part in this habit.
- Lock all windows and doors every time you exit your vehicle. A cracked window is a moment of entry for thieves
- Always park in well-lit areas. Poorly-lit areas are more prone to mischievous break-ins.
- Think twice about leaving valuable items in your car. Laptops, electronic devices, jewelry, and wallets are the most common personal items that get stolen.
Keep your keys out of the hands of thieves. Protect your ride – visit https://t.co/AOMmj3d4b0 to learn more. pic.twitter.com/FqY8HO8KVZ
— nhtsagov (@NHTSAgov) February 18, 2022
Now that you understand the basis of vehicle theft prevention, here are some tech-savvy features that will improve your car’s safety in 2022:
- Invest in a car security system. Products like Ring Car Alarm and other highly-rated safety surveillance systems offer an added level of security for your most prized possession.
- Consider a vehicle recovery system. NHTSA reports over 700,000 stolen vehicles crimes each year. By adding a vehicle recovery system, law enforcement will be able to track down and recover your stolen vehicle.
Some drivers opt to rely fully on car security alarms. However, many experienced thefts have figured out a way to work around this. If you’re curious about your vehicles security standards, take a moment to look through your owner’s manual. Overall, this will give you a better idea of how your car will respond.
What happens after a car theft?
Though the idea of an intruder entering your vehicle is hard to stomach, it happens hourly within the U.S. While these tips will reduce your chance of a car burglary, it’s best to be prepared for the unexpected. If you’re a victim of a stolen car or vehicle theft in 2022, contact authorities immediately to report the incident. It’s also advisable to talk with your insurance provider within the first 24 hours of the burglary. This ensures all stolen personal belongings are documented for recovery.
In conclusion, we encourage our readers to practice safe driving habits 24/7, which includes taking part in routine vehicle theft prevention. If you’re looking for more information on this car safety issue, visit the NHTSA website today to hear all about the upcoming Vehicle Theft Prevention Month this July.