How To Prevent Car Break-Ins
As we’re all gearing up for the Holiday Season, it can be an exciting and overwhelming time. From family get-togethers to celebrating Friendsgiving, we often find ourselves traveling a lot. Even if we’re just traveling locally in and around Atlanta, we’re constantly in the car going to and from.
One of the most important things to do while you’re out shopping or getting together with your families and friends is to make sure you are protecting yourself and the belongings that you’re carrying with you. Personal items, valuables, gifts, and luggage are in our possession and it’s important we take steps to avoid car break-ins when we’re out and about.
We all think we know the drill. No valuables in sight from your windows, do not leave your valuables or gifts in the car, and lock your doors. While we do try to take these precautions, sometimes we forget. Here are some reminders and a few steps you can take to avoid car break-ins this holiday season and year-round.
Lock your doors
You should always lock your car doors. Even if you’re just running in for a quick minute or picking up an order. Always lock your doors when you exit the car and be sure to lock it so your alarm is active if you have one.
Choose your parking carefully
Be sure to park in well-lit areas or park in your view from inside if necessary. You should park close to the entrance or exit of the building you're visiting, near the elevator or other well-lit area if you’re in a parking garage, and always try to park by the light if you’re on the street or in a parking lot outside. Choose the parking garage if available and park in your home garage if you have one. If not, remember that parking in a well-lit area is important at night.
Check your surroundings
It’s always best to be aware of your surroundings at all times and you should feel the same way about parking or leaving your vehicle.
Do not leave electronic cords, gifts, or valuable items to be seen from outside of your car through your windows.
Do not leave valuable items in your car in view of pedestrians walking by. This means try to put away your items in your compartments or at least move them out of view from the windows.
Do not leave your bags, wallets, or purses in your car.
You should never leave your wallet, purse or bag in your car. These items likely hold sensitive information and valuable items like your I.D., credit and debit cards, and cash.
Gifts
We all know it can be tricky to hide gifts for family members or children who are constantly peeking around in the closets of our homes this time of year but do not leave gifts in your car overnight. Around the holiday season car break-ins are on the rise and that’s because people leave gifts in their cars either overnight or while they are shopping in other stores. It can be tricky when shopping in person, but try your best to keep the gifts out of view and in the trunk of your locked car when you’re in another store and running errands. If you have an SUV, you can purchase a cargo cover to pull over the items in your car so they cannot be seen through the window. If you have a car, always put your gifts in the trunk.
Set your car alarm
Just as you should always lock your car, you should also set your car alarm. When someone is attempting to break into your car their objective is to do it quickly and quietly. Sounding your alarm will draw attention to your vehicle and the thief will likely run away. You can also engage your alarm from your key fob if you see someone attempting to break into your car or someone else’s.
