Are Thieves Targeting Your Car?

Every day, thousands of cars are stolen across the US. Your car might be next, marked by thieves as easy pickings. Fortunately, you can prevent car theft by keeping an eye out for suspicious things.

Warning Signs Your Car Is Being Targeted by Thieves

Keep a sharp lookout for the following indicators that car thieves might be eyeing your vehicle:

Suspicious Strangers Casing Your Car

It’s normal for people and vehicles to pass by your car or garage. However, what isn’t normal is if strangers slow down or stop and stare at your car for an uncomfortable length of time.

The strangers might be thieves observing their target. They’re getting familiar with your security and habits. If they find an opening, they might break into your garage or car.

Deliberate Damage to Your Car

Every day, your car takes a beating from various things. However, there’s a lot of difference between accidental and deliberate damage.

Replacing your car’s windshield because a tree branch fell on it is one thing. Getting new auto glass because someone repeatedly hit it with a crowbar or stone is something else entirely.

Inexplicable damage to your car might indicate that someone is planning to steal it–or has already attempted to break into it.

Examples of possible malevolent tampering with your car include:

• broken window glasses
• damaged door locks
• evidence of someone forcing entry into the locked vehicle

Tampering with Your Car Security System

Your car comes with several security systems that deter thieves. Modern vehicles have a car alarm that warns you if someone’s trying to break in. Depending on the model and trim, they might have additional features, such as an ignition immobilizer system.

However, car thieves know about these security features. They’ll try to bypass or sabotage the car security systems before making their move.

Regularly check your car’s security system for any clues that someone is messing with it. In the worst-case scenario, car thieves might have already defeated your car’s security features. You might need to bring your vehicle to an auto repair shop while calling the cops.

Here are some of the common indicators that car thieves are trying to disable your car security system:

• Cut electrical wiring
• Disabled car alarm
• Missing ignition immobilizer antenna

Weird Electronic Interference

Recently released cars often have remote keyless systems that control the vehicle’s critical parts, such as ignition and door locks.

You don’t need to insert a physical key to unlock and start them, although some keep a key as a backup. Instead, you press a button on the key fob, transmitting the appropriate radio signals to the keyless system.

Unfortunately, the key fob is vulnerable to jamming and interception. Thieves can use specialized devices to copy the signals that unlock and start your car.

The following issues are possible warning signs that car thieves are trying to subvert your car’s remote keyless system:

• Problems with keyless locking and unlocking of the doors
• Issues with keyless starts
• Interference when using the remote key

Car Radio Interference

Aside from the remote keyless system, there’s another system in your car that relies on wireless transmissions: the radio. The car antenna might pick up the signals sent by the hacking devices used by car thieves, leading to the radio acting up.

Car thieves aren’t the only reason for radio interference. Bad weather and powerful sources of radio waves can also disrupt the radio.

Missing Items In the Car

Do you often leave your personal belongings and items in your car? Have those items disappeared without explanation?

One possible explanation is that a thief might have found a way to unlock your car and take the items. If that’s the case, it’s fortunate that they didn’t steal the vehicle itself, allowing you to take steps to secure your car.

Tips For Protecting Your Car From Thieves

Now that you know what warning signs you should look for, how can you stop thieves from stealing your car? Here are some helpful suggestions on how to avoid car theft:

Secure Your Car

Don’t leave an opening for car thieves in the first place. Make stealing your car as frustrating as possible.

Before you leave your vehicle, fully roll up the windows to ensure no one can pry them open or reach inside. Engage the car alarm and check if it works. Test all doors to ensure they’re locked.

Park your car in safe, well-lit areas protected by security personnel and/or cameras.

Park with the Wheels Facing the Curb

Try to park your car close to the curb. Then, turn its wheels at a 45-degree angle before engaging the parking brake and shifting to park.

While this practice won’t seriously stop car thieves, it’ll help deter wheel thieves. Putting the wheels at a sharp angle makes it harder to reach the lug nuts and jack up your car.

Install a GPS Tracker

A GPS tracker determines the vehicle’s location via satellite navigation. It sends the information to a device, such as your smartphone with the appropriate app. Some cars have a GPS tracker as a standard feature, while others offer it as an option. If your car doesn’t have one, consider installing a tracker.

While a GPS tracker won’t stop thieves from making off with your car, it’ll make finding the stolen vehicle easier. Thoroughly conceal the tracker to prevent the car thieves from suspecting it exists or finding it.

Install a Surveillance Camera

Consider putting a surveillance camera inside your car. It should have a clear view of the interior, especially the driver’s seat. Some camera models have a microphone that can record sound.

Like the GPS tracker, the surveillance camera won’t stop car thieves. However, it can make identifying thieves easier and prove you own the stolen vehicle.

Use a Brake Pedal Lock

A brake pedal lock is a car security accessory that prevents car thieves from driving off with your vehicle. One end attaches to the brake pedal, although you can connect the lock to the clutch pedal. The opposite end attaches to the steering wheel.

The brake pedal lock prevents drivers from steering the car and –depending on the immobilized pedal– releasing the brake or engaging the clutch. You must unlock the accessory and uncouple it from the parts before you can drive.

Hopefully, these tips will help you keep your car safe from thieves. Stay alert and take the necessary steps to protect your vehicle.