The summer months have arrived, and like many other people in the city and beyond, you’re probably planning a road trip somewhere fun where you can relax. But before you pack those last little bits and pieces into your car and get on the road, you need to make sure your car is ready to be left out in public. Having your car stolen is very unpleasant and is a hassle financially and emotionally and if you’re on a vacation with your belongings, this experience can be scary and stressful. You should be aware of the best ways to deter thieves from stealing your car as this will save you and your family a world of pain. By making sure your car isn’t a target for break-ins you’re ensuring the safety and longevity of your prized vehicle. Here are some tips you should bear in mind when leaving your parked car unattended.

Lock Your Car

This one may seem like a no-brainer but you’d be surprised at how many people forget to do this! Leaving your car unlocked is inviting thieves to take it from wherever it is. Make sure you check multiple times before you walk away, that the car is locked. Check, check and check again even if it feels silly. If you use a remote fob to lock your car, tug on the door handle to make sure it worked. Some thieves these days have signal interrupters nearby that prevent remote fobs from working.

Stow Away Possessions

Any shiny watches, money, bank cards or other possessions on show? Put them away! The last thing you want to do is invite a thief by having your stuff on show through the car window. That’s an incentive for them to smash and grab!  To avoid this, fit everything you can into the trunk of your car- even if it’s a rucksack or pair of trousers. The seats, floors and centre console should also have nothing on them. You should also never leave any identification on show in your car. Thieves can do an awful lot with a driving license or passport.

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Park In A Well-Lit Area

Smart parking also plays a huge part in ensuring your vehicle doesn’t become a target for thieves. Never park in a secluded or isolated area as this will allow thieves to be able to take their time and really focus on breaking into your car. You might think parking in a quiet area is good but it’s the opposite. Thieves won’t be noticed on those streets where it’s poorly lit and not many people pass by. Instead you should park somewhere heavily monitored by CTTV, or under a streetlamp, away from easily accessible exits.

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Get A Car Alarm

You should definitely invest in a car alarm if you really want to protect your car from break-ins. If your car bumps, or if the tire is removed, the alarm will go off. This means that you’ll know rather quickly if your car is being tampered with by a thief. It’s important to bear in mind that even if the thief is professional and doesn’t tamper with the car in such an obvious way, sensors attached to your wheels will still detect any tampering. Car alarms are invaluable bits of equipment which will see your car protected and safe, wherever you are.

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Look After Your Car

Some studies have shown that cars which look well-maintained and secure deter criminals. That’s right if you look after your car, it’s less likely that a criminal will mess around with it. This is because thieves assume that if the owner protects the outside, they have protected the inside. A Rear View Camera Kit also won’t hurt- these can be very instrumental in court cases where thieves have been prosecuted, so it’s a great idea to invest in one.