Car Break-In, How to Avoid

Once bitten, twice shy. We had our car broken into once while on a vacation. This weekend, we will embark on a self drive vacation to Canada. We will pass through Niagara Falls, Toronto, Montreal and Quebec.

As we organise the trip, we start to ask ourselves what we can do better to avoid another break-in.

1. Avoid PDA (Public Display of Affluence)
Ensure that you keep all valuable items out of sight. As the saying goes, “Out of sight, out of mind”. The best measure to prevent your car window from being smashed and your valuables stolen is never to leave anything valuable visible inside the car.

Common items left in car that encourage a car break-in include: GPS units, handbags and wallets, cell phones, MP3 players, chargers, laptops and cases, and loose change.

GPS units are the most common items stolen during a car break-in. Intruders’ eyes are peeled for the slightest sign that indicate a possible GPS unit in the car. Besides storing the unit out of sight, you have to ensure that the charger and the holder for the GPS unit are stored away too. It is also advisable to wipe off the suction cup ring on the windshield. It is a give-away that there might be a GPS unit in the car.

Although the loose change may not worth a lot, it can be a fortune to the intruder. To spare yourself the hassle of a smashed window, keep the loose change out of sight.

2. Store suitcases and backpacks in the trunk / boot when you check-out
It is best to store these items in the trunk / boot when you check-out of the hotel, before you travel to your next destination. Putting these items in the trunk / boot when you arrive at the parking spot can tip off an intruder who happens to be lingering nearby.

3. Choice of parking
It is preferable to park in a parking lot that has an attendant and with security measures in place. If this not possible, it is advisable to park on street with large amounts of desirable foot traffic. Also, the parking lot should be well-lit. Avoid side streets, even if the main street has sizeable foot traffic. Side streets tend to be more isolated and darker. Moreover, traffic along the main street does not necessarily play attention to what’s happening in the side streets.

4. Lock and check
Most importantly, roll up all windows and lock the vehicle. Finally, give everything a check before you walk away to ensure nothing is left visible to tempt the intruder, all windows are rolled up and the car is securely locked.

Hopefully with these measures, we will keep the intruder at bay. Enjoy that self drive vacation.

Your Travel Beacon,
Joanne