Car break-ins are often crimes of opportunity. As cities across the U.S. hunker down at home to wait out the coronavirus pandemic, car break-ins are on the rise. Last week, opportunistic thieves in Greensboro, N.C. were caught on neighborhood security footage checking cars for unlocked doors. In Hendricks County, Indiana, there's been an uptick in car break-ins at night. Best advice from local police departments? Lock your car.
5 Tips to Help Prevent Car Break-Ins During Coronavirus
As your car sits idle for the next few weeks, here are a few steps you can take to protect your vehicle and any personal possessions.
1. Keep any valuables out of sight.
Out of sight out of mind is not a joke. One of the biggest reasons that cars are broken into is for the valuables inside. Cash, laptops, jewelry, and more can catch the eye of an opportunistic thief, so it's best to take them inside. If you can't keep items out of your car, cover them up or put them in the trunk so they're not easily visible.
2. Remove any personal items.
Remove your car registration, your license, your garage door openers, and more to ensure your personal safety, too. You'll need your car registration if you're ever pulled over for a traffic violation, if you're in an accident, and if you move, so you don't want to lose it.
3. Park in the garage or a well-lit space.
Most car burglars aim to get out unseen. That's easy to do if your car is parked on the street or in a dimly lit spot. To avoid break-ins, park your car in the garage, if possible. If not, park your car close to your house and in a well-lit spot.
4. Lock your doors.
Lock your doors. If the opportunity to easily open your car door and grab some valuable items isn't presented, many robbers will move along. Smashing windows or working some magic to unlock your car door can be loud and take too much time...so lock your doors to avoid being an easy target.
5. Install a security system.
Last, but not least, install a simple security system by your home that can keep an eye on your car too. Some homeowners across the U.S. have been able to catch their burglars in the act, or at least have evidence of the crime, because of their installation of a Ring doorbell or simple security set up.
Suburb Service: How We're Taking Care of our Seattle Customers During COVID-19
Even during these trying times, the team at Suburb Service is doing everything possible to continue service for your Subaru. We realize you need your vehicle ready to roll at any time, and we're here for you. To learn more about how Suburb Service is keeping you (and your Subaru!) safe during COVID-19, visit our notice page. To make a maintenance appointment or to schedule a repair service, contact us today. Show your Subaru some love.