We’ve all heard of cars being stolen, and many unfortunate automobile owners have been shocked by the sudden disappearance of their vehicle.
Regardless of who it happens to, it affects us all. Billions of dollars are lost every year and we pay that back in insurance, increased security expenses, and tax dollars tracking down these thieves. But why do people steal vehicles in the first place?
Here’s a few reasons why automobiles get stolen:
For Quick Resale
As quick as they steal a vehicle, the identification numbers get changed, forge the titles and registration, and quick paint job gets that vehicle back on the market at a low price for a quick sale. International demand for automobiles also creates risks, stolen vehicles can be shipped abroad and difficult to track down.
For The Parts
Stolen vehicles can get stripped apart in chop shops as the parts can often be two or three times more valuable than the entire automobile.
Used To Commit Other Crimes
Criminals will steal a vehicle to commit other crimes, burglaries, armed robberies, drive-by shootings, or for transporting drugs in hopes that the committed crime cannot be traced back to them.
For The Thrill
Just for kicks and the thrill, juveniles steal vehicles for showing off to buddies, some reckless driving, or joy rides which usually ends up with the vehicles being abandoned.
7 Helpful Tips to Your Car and Your Stuff Safe
- Regardless of the area you live in or visit, always lock your vehicles door, windows, and sunroofs. Thieves count on you to be careless.
- Some thieves are smart. As clever as you may think hiding your keys under the floor mat, in the glovebox, or on the sun visor, thieves know these places well. Many thieves will also check for magnetic storage boxes under the car, or in the wheel well, or under your bumper.
- Would you believe that identity theft is common reason for thieves to break into your vehicle? They use your personal information from documents often left in your vehicle like your registration and insurance slips. Consider keeping these in your wallet instead of in your glovebox. Also, be sure to keep your vehicle clear of other documents with personal information like bank and credit card statements, invoices, or any piece of mail containing information that may be used to steal your identity.
- Always turn off your vehicle and lock it when doing a quick run into a store, or even just back into your house. Unlocked vehicles with the keys in the ignition makes for a quick getaway.
- Don’t choose your parking spot on convenience alone. Look to park in lots with attendants, good lighting, and plenty of pedestrian traffic.
- If you have a garage, use it. But continue to be vigilant and lock your vehicle even when it’s inside.
- Use or install and alarm system in your vehicle. Most newer vehicles have them installed, but an older vehicle may not. Remember, older vehicles still remain valuable targets even just for their parts. For increased security you can also look into items such as floorboard locks, steering locks, and even vehicle tracking devices.
Whether automotive security or institutional security, being vigilant is a key to deterring theft.
Find out how Quantum can help secure the parking area for you and your employees by contacting us today.
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