California has one of the highest rates of Vehicle Burglary in the nation. In 2014, the FBI’s Uniform Crime Report listed the state third in auto thefts, with only the District of Columbia and Washington state ranking higher. Though the San Diego region has fewer car burglaries than San Francisco, Bakersfield, and other California cities, its abundance of luxury and high-performance vehicles make it an attractive area for car thieves. With today’s new technologies and a little common sense, you can greatly reduce your risk of a carjacking or theft.
Don’t Make Your Vehicle a Criminal Magnet
Regardless of where you live, you should always keep car doors locked and windows secured. Many homeowners mistakenly think their car is safe from Vehicle Theft while parked in the driveway. While at work, shopping or a night out in the Gaslamp Quarter, park in spaces that are well-lit and as close to your destination as possible.
Although it can be frustrating to lose your keys, never attempt to store a spare set on your vehicle. Experienced auto thieves know where to look. It’s better to have a family member bring your spare keys than to discover your secret hiding spot wasn’t too reliable.
In public parking areas, store valuable items in the trunk instead of under the seat. Draping a jacket or blanket over passenger seat items is an open invitation to thieves. On hot, sunny days, remember to close the sunroof.
Popular Vehicle Burglary Prevention Devices
Newer and prestigious vehicles have a much greater chance of being stolen, so it’s essential to take additional precautions. A car alarm is ideal for creating an unwanted disturbance, especially in densely populated areas. The only downside is they are highly sensitive. Frequently activated car alarms can cause people to ignore their warning.
A brake lock and steering wheel bar are two inexpensive ways to prevent Car Theft. Though both can be cut off, that involves extra time which can deter burglars. Another effective mechanism car thieves hate is a kill switch. It works by cutting off the electrical system or fuel supply when attempting to start the vehicle without a key.
When all other methods have failed, a tracking device with GPS technology can quickly locate your stolen auto. Some tracking services can even disable the car remotely when they detect a Vehicle Burglary. Although this service can be expensive, it provides additional reassurance to car owners.
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