..:: AUTO REPORT AFRICA ::..
Related Articles
(By Crist Roy)
If you’ve ever had something of yours stolen, you know how bad it can feel. Spending so much on something and then losing it is an awful feeling, and everyone wants to prevent that from happening. For most people, a vehicle is one of their most valuable possessions, but it is also the one most prone to being stolen. The fact that you have it outside your house or take it everywhere leaves it at a high risk of being stolen.
So how can you prevent your car from being stolen? There’s a lot you can do yourself by maximising your vehicle’s security and making it harder for it to get stolen. We will look at the various ways in which you can increase your vehicle’s security.
Be wary of where you park your vehicle.
One of the biggest mistakes you can make is parking your vehicle in the wrong place. This means avoiding places that might not have the best security and leaving your vehicle at a higher risk of getting stolen. Many people look for any parking spot when they are in a hurry or can’t find one, leaving their vehicle at a high risk of being stolen. Designated parking areas are generally safer and have more security or things like cameras that can help keep your car safer. Even a little bit of laziness when it comes to where you park can sometimes end up costing you a lot.
Never leave expensive possessions visible in the vehicle.
Even if you are going somewhere for a short time and leaving your car for 10-15 minutes, you should always avoid leaving expensive items that are visible in the car. Chances are that if a thief sees something valuable in your vehicle, they are more likely to break in and try to steal these items. It would be best if you either took them with you when you leave the car or placed them in the glove compartment or any place out of sight.
Invest in devices to help you secure your vehicle
You can buy many inexpensive devices that can be invaluable when it comes to adding security to your vehicle.
Steering lock
One of the best things you can buy is a steering lock for your vehicle. A steering lock makes it very hard for someone to steal your vehicle because it prevents the steering wheel’s usage when the lock is on. Most cars will have a built-in steering lock that prevents the vehicle from getting started unless the key is inserted. An additional steering lock will add extra security and prevent thieves from bypassing the car’s built-in lock.
Wheel clamps
A wheel clamp allows you to lock your car’s tires and prevent them from moving when the clamp is in place. They are pretty simple in how they work, as they prevent the tire’s movement, making it impossible to use the car unless the clamp is removed. Like the steering lock, wheel clamps are very affordable and easy to use.
Bike locks
If you own a motorbike or a bicycle, having a bike lock is a must because it is something you can easily carry anywhere and is an excellent form of security for these vehicles. You add a lot of security by just locking your bike or motorbike by connecting it to a metal pole or something like a bench.
Dash cams
Having a dash cam can be helpful in a number of different scenarios. If your car is broken into or someone attempts to steal it, a dash cam provides valuable video evidence to help you catch the perpetrator. Video footage can also be beneficial in an accident, as having proof through a dash cam can determine who was at fault in the accident.
Car tracking
Technology has evolved a lot over the years, and nowadays you can track your car very conveniently through your phone. Many modern vehicles come with a lot of connectivity, making it very easy for the owner to know where their vehicle is at all times. Even if that is not present, you can purchase devices that can help you keep track of your vehicle in case it does get stolen, as this can help you out a lot with catching the person who stole the vehicle.
A little mistake or forgetfulness can be very costly
You can do a lot to prevent your vehicle from being stolen or maximize your vehicle’s security, but sometimes forgetting something can be what costs you. Basic things like locking your car or not forgetting your keys inside the vehicle are essential, as not doing these things can make it very easy for someone to target your vehicle.
- Crist Roy is a guest columnist (https://www.zetronix.com/dash-cameras.html)
