Car security measures

Car security measures are very important because cars get very often stolen and broken into and more often than not, wallets, passports, or IDs get stolen from the car. Thieves are most likely after cash or valuable objects like jewelry, watches, laptop computers, and sunglasses when they break into cars.

If thieves accidentally come across your checkbook, wallet, phone, passport, or any other valuable item in your car during their adventures, they may think of committing a different kind of crime, identity theft. Although their initial motive might have been breaking into your car to steal cash and other valuables, or, stealing your car for its parts, the thieves may not forgive you for leaving parts of your identity components in the car. They will write as many checks and take as much cash as they can from your bank account until you report the loss of your checkbook or lost cards to the bank. They may even go shopping or call their cousins overseas and run you a 4-digit phone bill from your friendly wireless service provider.

1. Don't leave your valuables in the car for a long and extended period of time. If you have to make short trips to make copies, take all the important documents and objects with you, or just leave them for a very short period of time to reduce your risks. Never leave documents, purses, or wallets in the car. The trunk isn’t a safe place either—thieves always check here.
   
2. Park your car in a secure, monitored, and private parking lot, away from visibility. Park your car in a parking garage equipped with security systems and an on-site security attendant.  Usually, private and smaller parking provide better security for their facilities. 
   
3. Don't park your car in such parking places as long-term airport parking. Such places are hardly ever monitored and thieves know that this long-term parking provides the best opportunity since the car owners are not coming back any time soon. Empty your car of all important contents when you park your car in the long-term airport parking.
   
4. Park your car in a well-lit area. This will make their working conditions a little more difficult and challenging since they have to be very careful not to be seen. 
   
5. Park your car in a busy area. Don't park it in an isolated area where there is no car or foot traffic in order to deter thieves. Again, you will make their life more difficult and working conditions challenging. 
   
6. Install a car security system in your car. Make sure it is the electronic sound alarm, which may discourage the thieves from further searching the car. The manual wheel lock may prevent them from stealing the car but will not discourage them from searching your car and stealing valuables. Use multiple warning devices, such as car alarms, steering wheel locks, and gear-shift locks.
   
7. Help authorities.  Consider etching your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on windows and engine parts so authorities can ID a car if it’s stolen.
   
8. Use technology.  Install GPS and immobilization devices, this includes smart keys and kill switches.