Five tips to protect your car from break-ins
Auto Glass Now offers tips to reduce the likelihood of a vehicle break in.
You’ve packed your snowboarding gear and you make a stop for coffee on the way to the slopes. Only when you return to your vehicle, your window is smashed and all your gear is gone, along with your phone, backpack and new ski coat.
Vehicle break-ins rise during the winter months, according to the Council of Criminal Justice. There were 33.5% more motor vehicle break-ins and thefts from January to June of 2023 compared to the first half of 2022.
Auto Glass Now offers tips to help you protect your vehicle and holiday valuables and deter potential thieves.
- Lock your car doors. Be mindful when stepping away from your vehicle. A simple yet crucial step, locking your car doors can significantly reduce the risk of theft. Most vehicle break-ins occur when thieves find unlocked doors, providing silent and easy access to valuables. Whether you are at a shopping mall or your driveway, lock your vehicle doors when you step away from your car.
- Avoid a ‘CAN bus’ attack. Take an additional step to prevent potential thieves from accessing your wireless key fob signal via a “CAN bus” attack that steals the wireless signal from the key fob that is nearby – like inside your house or in your pocket when you are near your parked vehicle. This can be prevented with an aftermarket security system, or put your key fob in a simple steel container, signal-blocking pouch, or Faraday box.
- Remove or conceal valuables. Items like electronics, wallets, and cash should not be left visible in a vehicle. If they must remain in the car, securing them in the locked glove box or trunk is advised. Full shopping bags that are visible attract attention. Hide packages in the trunk or get a locking gear box to store valuables. Also, consider bringing packages back home or to a secure location between shopping stops to reduce the risk.
- Choose well-lit parking spots. Whether parking at home or in public areas, well-lit locations can deter thieves, who prefer operating in darkness to avoid detection. It also provides more safety for you when you’re returning to your vehicle laden with packages.
- Keep windows rolled up and repair damaged windows. Even partially open windows can offer thieves easy access. Ensuring windows are fully closed can prevent opportunistic thefts. Windows with cracked glass, that don’t close completely or boarded over with plastic or cardboard make it even easier to access your vehicle. Be sure to get this damage repaired when it occurs and don’t let it lead to further issues.
“Nothing dampens your day faster than a vehicle break-in by a thief who steals all your valuables,” said Nick Ouimet, president of Auto Glass Now. “With a few smart precautions, you can protect your vehicle and your belongings from damage and theft. At Auto Glass Now, we want to ensure everyone is taking safety precautions.”
Should a vehicle break-in occur, Auto Glass Now is there to help!
The Auto Glass Now teams cover the U.S. from California to Florida with the best value combination of fast, reliable, convenient service, technologically advanced repairs, and ADAS calibration. For service, call 888.4.FIX.GLASS.