Like many car owners, you might have formed a strong attachment to your ride. After all, you spent a good chunk of money to own it and depend on it to get you where you need to go every day. That’s why it’s such an awful feeling to return to your parking space only to find it empty. Thousands of vehicles in Baltimore, MD, are stolen every year, but you can help prevent car theft by following these handy tips.
Park in a Busy and Well-Lit Area
You might like parking far from other vehicles and foot traffic, but thieves will take it as an opportunity to go about their work without being disturbed. Discourage them from stealing your car by parking where others will easily see it. The best spots to park are well-traveled areas close to a building’s entrance. At night, it’s a good idea to leave your vehicle as close as possible to any street or parking lot lights.
Install an Immobilizing Device
Many modern automobiles come with a computer chip-equipped ignition system that prevents the car from starting if someone tries to hotwire it or brute force it with a screwdriver. Steering wheel locks and engine immobilizers effectively prevent most types of auto thefts. However, many professional thieves can hook the car up to a tow truck after bypassing these systems. Purchasing a wheel boot or lock can help deter this method of theft.
There are easily portable wheel boots and locks that can quickly be installed and removed and are very resistant to tampering. When a thief sees a vehicle with one of these items, they’re much more likely to move on to an easier target.
Use a Tracking Device
Even if your car is stolen, you can at least know where it’s going by using a vehicle tracking system. These systems are available from most major automakers for an extra fee and integrate with your smart device for easy use. Feel free to contact your local Toyota dealer for more details. This type of service is typically active 24/7 and helps inform law enforcement, so they can recover the vehicle for you. There are several reputable third-party companies that also offer vehicle tracking.
VIN Etching
When your vehicle’s VIN is engraved on the windshield or its other parts, this reduces its resale value for a thief and makes for easier tracking if it ends up being chopped up. This will make it a less attractive target for thieves. VIN etching can be done professionally or you can do it yourself with special tools. Many insurance companies will even give you a discount when this is done.
Never Leave Personal Belongings in the Vehicle
Your chances of becoming a victim of auto theft skyrocket when you leave your valuables in the car for others to see. It’s a great opportunity for thieves to smash and grab, and they often end up stealing the entire car while they’re at it. Always take your valuables with you before you leave. If you can’t, make sure to hide them under the seats or in storage compartments.
Automobile theft may be on the rise, but these tips go a long way in reducing the likelihood that it happens to you. Visit us at DARCARS Toyota of Baltimore, and don’t forget to ask us about the latest anti-theft systems. For more helpful automotive tips & tricks, our Toyota dealership has you covered!
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