“I can still vividly imagine the moment I drove up to my driveway late at night and saw my teenage son’s car door wide open. Before I could scold my daughter for being so negligent , a man ran out of the car empty-handed and ran across the blog, missing a clog in his wild exhaust, recounted an acquaintance of mine who, paradoxically, worked as an insurance agent in an auto insurance agency.
“It was obvious that the intruder in the vehicle had tried to steal something of value from my daughter that she had left inside her car. Luckily for him, the girl had left a door open. To his misfortune, I pulled over and caught him in the act before he could do any harm.
“My midnight encounter with this car thief so boldly underscores that each of us must be proactive in preventing car thefts,” my insurance friend continued.
The main thing any car owner or driver should be careful about is to make sure that no doors, windows or sunroofs are left open and unlocked and never leave your car running with the keys in the ignition.
Then there are the other factors that car owners or drivers need to consider.
Insurance companies tell us that most auto thefts are perpetrated by random criminals not associated with sophisticated crimes. They look into a car and see something they want and act spontaneously.
If the car is open they are more likely to try to get things because it is an easy target.
Everyday items that you shouldn’t leave inside your car for all to see include phones, wallets, purses, shopping bags, computers, electronics, coins and change, and keys.
Also, drivers should try to park in well-lit, well-traveled areas where car and foot traffic is a given. Also, drivers should opt for a parking lot that has a parking attendant manning the spot to deter car thieves.
If your neighborhood does not already have a volunteer community watch, which helps the police department prevent criminal activity, it may be a good idea to start one.
Studies show that there is less crime rate when designated crime shelters are on the lookout
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Before parking your vehicle, be sure to put valuables inside the trunk. To make sure a potential thief doesn’t see you in the process, transfer things before you get to your parking spot.
While any of these things are good ways to prevent theft, theft can happen despite our best efforts. That is why it is recommended that you speak with an experienced independent insurance agency about your specific needs in relation to a suitable auto policy.
