Auto theft may not be something you often consider, but it should be. According to the US Department of Transportation, 765, 484 vehicles were stolen in 2016. That equates to one car being stolen every 41 seconds. And 42% of those vehicles were never recovered!
Here are 6 tips for preventing vehicle theft:
- Never leave an unattended car on and running
This seems like a no-brainer, but many of us fall prey. An unwise habit, this is particularly common at gas stations or occurs when owners warm up their vehicles in the driveway. Don’t tempt thieves by leaving your keys in the car and the door unlocked. Additionally, some insurance companies will not cover the theft of a vehicle left running. Always lock your car
Something as simple, and quick, as locking your doors (even while driving) will lessen the risk of making your car an easy target. Locked vehicles protect you.
Never leave anything in view of thieves
Don’t keep items of value in your vehicle. But if you must, hide them. Be aware that smash-and-grab burglaries increase significantly in January and February as thieves look for the new goodies their victims received over the holidays.
Utilize car alarms
Car alarms are standard on most newer vehicles. Make the investment if your vehicle doesn’t come equipped with one. Most car thieves are looking for a quick and easy theft, which won’t involve a honking horn and flashing lights. Strapped for cash? Consider The Club. It won’t make a lot of racket. But the sight of it may be enough to deter thieves.
Exercise caution when parking
Make sure that you park in a safe, well-lit area. If at all possible, don’t park next to bushes or walls, which provide nice cover for thieves working to get into your automobile. Do you feel physically uncomfortable in an area? Don’t park your car there. If you must travel to an unsafe location, consider taking Ûber, which will keep you safe (in most cases) and cost far less than deductibles required if someone steals your ride.
- Reinforce windows with film
The average car thief spends just three seconds to smash a window and grab the valuables inside. Tint your windows with a security film, such as 3m’sScotchshield™ Security Series. Or, better yet, bring your car to C&L for professional window tinting. This will not only protect your vehicle from the sun’s harmful rays but will disguise the contents of your car, making it more challenging for thieves to see inside. This video shows what a dramatic difference the film makes.
As car thieves develop more sophisticated means of breaking into cars, keep yourself informed, alert, aware, and ready to protect one of your biggest investments, your vehicle.
About C&L Auto Body
The “go-to” location for auto body repair and classic restoration in the San Gabriel Valley, since 1970, C&L Auto Body is known for our attention to detail, courteous service, and fair and affordable prices. If you select C&L to repair your car, our concierge service will help make your entire auto body repair process easy on you. We will even help you arrange for a rental car and deal directly with your insurance company. C&L Auto Body is owned and operated by the Buonsanti family, who strives to treat clients like family. Come by the shop 781 E San Bernardino Road in Covina, contact us via email today, call (626) 445-6630 or visit www.CandLAutoBody.com.