It’s disheartening to find that someone broke into your vehicle. First, they invaded your privacy. Second, they probably took things that didn’t belong to them. This particular crime has become all too common. However, you can take several steps to reduce the risk. One option is to buy a car from Bob Brady Buick GMC in Forsyth, Illinois, loaded with safety features.
Below are several things you can do to reduce the risk of someone breaking into your vehicle and possibly preventing it from happening.
Lock the Doors
While that might seem too simple, it works. According to law enforcement officials, most break-ins and thefts occur because a person didn’t lock their vehicle doors. This is especially important when away from home. However, you should also lock them even if your car’s in your driveway or parked in front of your home.
Secure Your Automobile
Beyond locking the doors, keep the windows rolled completely up. A criminal only needs about half an inch to use a device to unlock a car. In addition, they can break in and be on their way in roughly 15 seconds, long before you realize what happened.
Maintain a Clean and Organized Vehicle
For one thing, you’ll enjoy driving your vehicle more when it’s clean and tidy. At the same time, this helps deter crime. After all, thieves look in windows to see if there’s anything inside that they want. Even a handful of cash could be enough for them to commit a crime.
Simply put, keep anything that a crook would consider valuable out of sight. That includes not just money but also sunglasses, shopping bags, groceries, sports equipment, and so on. In addition, thieves often look for items such as phone charging cables, dash cams, adapters, and GPS.
Take Stock Before You Park
Regardless of where you go, take a minute to scan the interior of your car. Place any items of concern in the trunk or under the seat. You can also cover things with a blanket as long as it’s inconspicuous. If you have an SUV, it’s worth using the slide to conceal items.
Park in Safe Areas
Speaking of parking, when you select a spot, choose one in a well-lit area. Also, don’t park near fences, hedges, and large vehicles. After all, a criminal can use them to break in without anyone noticing. A lot of people prefer to park away from businesses so they can walk for exercise. However, it’s best to park as close to your location as possible.
File a Police Report
Even if a perpetrator didn’t take anything, always file a police report if they break into your car. When speaking with the dispatcher, you’ll need to provide your location, the estimated time of the incident, and any information you have on them. For instance, if you saw the individual and the direction they headed in, let the dispatcher know.
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Upgrade Your Older Model Car
If you drive an older vehicle, it probably has no alarm or security feature. Especially if you live or work in a higher crime area, a newer automobile would make a big difference. For this, contact the experts at Bob Brady Buick GMC in Forsyth, Illinois.
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