30+ Proven Methods To Keep Your Car Safe From Thefts As Shared By Former Auto Burglars

Published on 08/21/2023
Former Car Thieves Teach Us How To Protect Our Cars With These 40 Tricks

40+ Proven Methods To Keep Your Car Safe From Thefts As Shared By Former Auto Burglars

Most people own or know someone who drives a car. Cars allow us to travel farther and more comfortably than public transportation and make supermarket runs without delivery fees. Cars can go practically anyplace. However, owning a car is not always joyful. You have to deal with a lot, and today we’re discussing automobile thieves. Some previous auto thieves have offered their tactics to help you avoid these persistent and dangerous people. We recommend being mindful of them on your next joy ride!

Car Cover

Car Cover

It’s a good idea to protect your car from the weather with a cover when it’s parked outdoors overnight no matter where you live, but it’s especially crucial if you live in a very cold or damp region of the world. This is owing to the fact that exposing your car to the elements carries a significant danger of damage. It is an effective strategy for keeping frost or moisture from accumulating on your vehicle’s windshield and mirrors. But did you realize there is another compelling incentive to utilize one? According to this user, auto thieves will avoid vehicles with car coverings since they are more difficult to steal. Now you know – finish it!

Keep your bags hidden

When we are traveling around with a lot of things, the majority of us will try to conceal our valuables in the trunk of the car because it is a very secure spot to put things, particularly when we are traveling around with a lot of things. If the burglars are unable to see it, there is a significantly reduced likelihood that they will attempt to steal it.

Hide Your Bags

Keep your bags hidden

If you can’t fit your valuables in the trunk, put them under the seat. Many criminals won’t risk breaking in to see whether there’s anything important.

Tinted Windows

If you often store cash in the trunk of your vehicle, we strongly recommend that you tint the windows of your vehicle so that potential burglars will be deterred from breaking into your vehicle. They not only have the capacity to make your automobile look more expensive and beautiful, but they also have the possibility of preventing would-be car thieves from peering around inside your vehicle. This is a double-edged sword.

Tinted Windows

Tinted Windows

Tinted windows hinder thieves in a manner akin to the “under the seat” technique. Avoid wasting time with these vehicles. Verify the window tinting regulations in your area.

Pager

It is currently the norm for automakers to fit their vehicles with a built-in alarm system that sounds an alarm in the event that someone tries to break into the vehicle while it is parked. On the other side, they can be triggered by the tiniest things at times, and because of this, we frequently opt to dismiss it when it does occur. However, there are occasions when they can be activated by the largest things at times.

Pager

Pager

If someone breaks into your car, this can be a significant problem, so we recommend following this advice and acquiring one with a pager. You’ll know when your alarm goes off and when you should go check it.

Easy Pickings

The advice that is provided in the following paragraphs is one that ought to be taken seriously by everyone, despite the fact that some people might consider it to be fairly obvious. If you are only going to be stopped for a short period of time in your vehicle, you must remember to remove the keys from the ignition. Even if it’s only for a short period of time!

Easy Pickings

Easy Pickings

The tiniest opening offers a chance for car thieves to steal and leave. Remove the keys and lock the door before leaving your car. Never take a chance!

Problem with Documents

If you own a car, you are surely aware that there is often a substantial amount of paperwork linked with the ownership of a vehicle. This is something that you should be aware of if you own a car. Keeping up with all of the documents you need to keep track of can be an intimidating task. This includes the paperwork linked with your insurance policy as well as the taxes that are due on your vehicle.

Document Dilemma

Problem with Documents

Here’s a piece of advice: don’t leave these paperwork in the car. If someone comes into your automobile and steals it, they have everything they need to make the car appear to be theirs rather than yours.

Stolen Wheels

If you are the kind of person who constantly locks their doors and never forgets to remove important stuff out of their vehicle, then you could think that you are safe from the risk of being robbed because of these habits. However, this is not the case. You would be mistaken, sadly, as the premises still include items that are susceptible to being taken without being noticed.

Stolen Wheels

Stolen Wheels

This one requires them to remove your wheels without getting into your car. Although it seems senseless, they can sell these for a lot of money.

Wheel Security

It would appear that the greatest method to prevent car thieves from making off with your vehicle is to make it as difficult as possible for them to complete their job. This is the best way to prevent auto thieves from making off with your vehicle. The greater the amount of work that these criminals have to put in to steal your car, the less likely it is that they will succeed in their attempt.

Wheel Lock

Wheel Security

The best method to achieve this is with a steering wheel lock. This prevents anyone from driving without the unlocking key, making it harder to break in and drive off.

Stolen System

You would believe that the radio system in your automobile is the most difficult to conceal, but there are other components as well. It is a feature featured in the vast majority of vehicles now on the market, and it might be inconvenient to try to conceal it each time you exit your vehicle. The feature is available in the vast majority of cars on the market today.

Stolen System

Stolen System

We strongly advise you to do this, especially after reading this user’s recommendations. Car thieves target stereos, so removing the faceplate protects you from prying eyes.

Money Issues

The one that comes after that seems like it ought to be quite obvious, and we really do hope that everybody has done this before. It ought to go without saying that you should never just leave money out in the open where it may be seen by anyone who is looking through the window of your car; nonetheless, this is something that many people do.

 

Money Problems

Money Issues

Some people might store it there for emergencies, but they don’t. If you must keep cash in your vehicle, place it in the ashtray or the center console.

Car Brand

You do have some control over certain components of the problem, and this includes preventing someone from stealing your car when it comes to preventing someone else from taking your car. Because auto thieves have a tendency to target specific makes and models, keeping an eye on the brand and model of your vehicle are two of the most basic factors to keep an eye on.

Car Brand

Car Brand

This can change from year to year, therefore we encourage performing internet research. This year, criminals are targeting your model, so try some of these measures to protect it.

Secure Site

Paying for parking is something that no one appreciates doing because it is often rather expensive and feels like a waste of money. As a result, paying for parking is a chore that no one enjoys. However, we cannot emphasize enough how important it is for you to find a safe place to park your vehicle, even if it means incurring additional financial costs. We strongly advise you to investigate your choices as quickly as possible.

Secure Site

Secure Site

Parking fines are insignificant in light of the expense of replacing a stolen vehicle. That might easily cost thousands of dollars, and the emotional damage is incalculable.

Van Security

You could think that you are immune to being a victim of auto theft since you drive a van, but that would be a mistake. In point of fact, it is the complete antithesis of what you stated. The fact that the vehicle in question has some kind of tool is the major impetus for the theft of said vehicle by certain individuals who commit auto theft. Take precautions to safeguard not just yourself but also your possessions!

Van Safety

Van Security

Make sure the door is locked, and look into purchasing tools with your company’s name on them. Take into account the precautionary advice provided by the preceding items on this list.

Number Plates

After having your car stolen, you might think that it will be easy to track down your vehicle, but unfortunately, this is not always the case. Sometimes it can be very difficult to find a stolen vehicle. The thieves can easily steal the license plate from the vehicle by using a screwdriver to loosen a couple of the screws that are holding it in place. This will allow them to take the plate.

Number Plates

Number Plates

They can then switch this plate for another, making the automobile appear to be a different one they can sell. We recommend using security screws to secure the plate to complicate matters.

Swap the Spot

Every single one of us follows a specific routine while we are in our automobiles, and this is especially true when we are on our way to work. This happens every single time. There is a strong probability that you will always park your vehicle in the same spot on a regular basis. This spot may even be the same spot. This is the worst possible way for you to conduct yourself in any situation.

Swap The Spot

Swap The Spot

Parking in the same area makes it easy for thieves to track vehicles. So they can’t rely on your vehicle, park in different spots each time.

Electric Cars

Although it may appear that having a car with an electronic fuel pump will make your life much easier, depending on the circumstances of the situation you are in right now, this may not be the case at all. You must heed this piece of advise as criminals frequently target electric vehicles, which is the main reason why you should do so in the first place.

Electric Cars

Electric Cars

To stop the fuel pump from starting the vehicle, you need only operate a switch in the manner described earlier. This makes it easier for thieves, but it makes your life safer.

Light Spot

Most of us have probably heard the frequent piece of advice that you should never leave your vehicle parked in a poorly lighted place from a loved one at some point in our life. The widely held belief that you should never leave your vehicle parked in a poorly lighted place has a logical basis. When looking for something to steal, most burglars choose dark-parked cars because they make it easier to conceal their activity.

Light Spot

Light Spot

Keeping your car in the light deters burglars. In the sun, vehicles are easier to spot, making it harder for criminals to get away. Stay bright!

Motion Sensor Light

This specific sort of light is a wonderful investment to make since it not only protects your vehicle from potential thieves, but it also protects your house from intruders who could try to break into it. This is an excellent way to deter criminal activity. They can be somewhat dear, but we feel that, in the long term, the investment will be well worth it despite the initial outlay.

Motion Sensor Light

Motion Sensor Light

However, as this user noted, these lights should not be too low. If not raised high enough, they can steal the lights and render them useless. Keep them high and you’ll be OK.

Sensible Sticker

Because some of the recommendations and methods on our list can be fairly pricey, we entirely understand if you are concerned about how to maintain the safety of your automobile without having to pay a significant amount of money, as this is something that we fully understand. There is no reason for you to be anxious about this matter since I am going to provide you with an answer that is simple.

Sensible Sticker

Sensible Sticker

According to certain burglars, a sticker indicating an alarm system deters them. If they desire your automobile, no amount of alarms will stop them, but a sticker will.

Keyhole Hack

Because driving an older model makes it easier for thieves to steal your car, you should certainly give some thought to updating to a more recent model if you are currently operating an older vehicle. A piece of string is an efficient and straightforward method that can be used to open the door of virtually any vehicle that has a keyhole. This may be accomplished in a matter of seconds.

Keyhole Hack

Keyhole Hack

Most contemporary cars lack a keyhole and, as a result, are immune to these issues. Obviously, you can’t do much to protect yourself if you have a keyhole – just follow the other guidelines on this list.

Suction Situation

Suction cups or other similar devices that can hold your phone or other electronic gadgets in place are becoming an increasingly common fixture in modern autos. These devices can also be found in other comparable products. You ought to proceed with caution when using these, despite the fact that they might be of great use, particularly if you already possess your very own satellite navigation system.

Suction Situation

Suction Situation

Suction cup gadgets and other electrical props alert burglars to electronics. We recommend removing all technological props because they will break in even if you hide them.

Open Invitation

Do not be misled by the fact that a car door is most likely the easiest method for a thief to enter a vehicle; even a window or a sunroof might provide an easy opportunity for entry. The easiest way for a thief to enter a vehicle is probably through the door. Before you step out of your vehicle, you should always double and triple check to make sure that the doors and windows are closed.

Open Invitation

Open Invitation

If you don’t, it’s possible that some of your things will be stolen. Thieves will use all means necessary to break into your vehicle, even if it only has a sunroof.

Suction Mark

We have already explored the possibility of removing the suction cups from the interior of our vehicle; nevertheless, this is unlikely to be sufficient. We’ve already explored the possibility of removing the suction cups from our vehicle’s interior. You must ensure that any residue left behind by the cups is removed from the window by washing it down. You can do so by following the directions in the preceding phrase.

Suction Mark

Suction Mark

Thieves seek for these marks when stealing a car. This suggests that something expensive device in the car is worth stealing, which you should never do.

Unknown Sound

It is a well-known fact that as time passes, car thieves get more creative and smart in their ways. They may not even bother attempting to steal your vehicle when you park it; instead, they will wait until you get out of the car before attacking you. This is because they understand that catching you in the act increases their chances of success. What is the secret to their ongoing success?

Unknown Sound

Unknown Sound

It’s simple. They only need to distract you to get you out of the automobile. Sometimes they lay logs on the road so you get out and they leap inside the car.

Tricky Trunk

The following entry could make no sense at all to you, but based on all we know so far, we can safely say that it’s true. It would appear that the majority of thieves do not bother to check the trunk, but the reason why this is the case is not totally evident to us at this time. It’s probable that this is due to the fact that opening it can be challenging at times.

Tricky Trunk

Tricky Trunk

Whatever the reason, this is good news since you may hide valuables in the trunk without fear of theft. However, be careful what you put in there.

Spare Keys

When you purchase a vehicle, you will very certainly also receive a set of spare keys. This is common practice. This occurs far more frequently than you might expect. The vast majority of individuals will make the simple error of putting these goods inside the vehicle, which is incredibly unsafe. When people act in this manner, it makes it much easier for criminals to steal cars from other people’s driveways.

Spare Keys

Spare Keys

Keep the keys in your house, but not where house robbers can find them. We recommend storing the keys in a safe or a secure part of your house.

In the name

The overwhelming majority of us will only consider things that are on the pricier side to have any kind of value. In spite of this, it is extremely important to conceal anything that could be used to identify you, such as your passport or essential communication. If car thieves discover something like this in a vehicle they intend to steal, it gives off the wrong impression about how easy it is to get away with their crime.

In The Name

In The Name

They will enter your home operating under the assumption that you will be absent for an extended period of time. In general, you should make sure to keep secret any documents that are significant.

Professionals Only

Installing a car alarm, which is something that can be done in almost any shopping mall, is one of the simplest ways to secure your vehicle from theft. You can lessen the likelihood of your vehicle being stolen by doing so. If, on the other hand, you want to make sure that your vehicle stays out of harm’s way, we propose that you choose an option that is a little less obvious than the other options.

Professionals Only

Professionals Only

Professional installers know what auto thieves look for. They can better protect your car from thieves. The best approach to defend your car is to ask the car-stealing specialists.

On the Top

If you do a lot of traveling around, you should probably think about mounting a roof rack or some other kind of equipment on the very top of your automobile. If you do not do a lot of driving around, you can get away without doing either. It is possible that this will make things a great deal simpler for you while you are traveling; nevertheless, it also makes it much easy for other people to steal cars.

On The Top

On The Top

No matter how many fancy locks you put, robbers who want your things will still break into your racks. Take everything on the rack inside to protect it from car robbers.

Keyless Entry

Another form of innovation that makes things substantially simpler for both people who own automobiles and people who steal them is the carless key. This type of innovation is a win-win for everyone involved. There is a large variety of devices that may “trick” your car into opening and thinking the keys are present in the vehicle. This equipment can be purchased from a number of different retailers.

Carless Keys

Keyless Entry

Buy a cheap Faraday bag online to prevent crucial signals from being stolen and copied. This means they cannot deceive your automobile into allowing thieves drive off.

Reverse Park

When it comes to parking our autos, each and every one of us has our own individual tastes, with some of us favoring the “reverse park” method and others choosing for the “straight in” approach instead. If you often park your vehicle so that the windshield is facing in the opposite way, you need to immediately put an end to this action as soon as it is possible to do so.

Reverse Park

Reverse Park

Once inside, thieves can drive away in reverse parking, making it easier to steal your automobile. Parking straight front makes it take longer to exit, which could entail being caught.

Baby Monitor

In light of the fact that some of the items that have been featured on this list up until this point have been on the more expensive side, I have one more recommendation for you that will assist you in lowering your expenses. You may use a baby monitor to keep an eye on what’s going on around you while you’re driving, if that’s something you’re concerned about.

Baby Monitor

Baby Monitor

You’ll see and hear it if someone tries to break into your automobile. They can be positioned in quiet areas to catch criminals in the act. They’ll be apprehended.

Kill Switch

The following idea we have for you is without a doubt one of the most fruitful decisions you can make; nevertheless, putting it into action may be challenging for certain people. After the kill switches have rendered the engine inoperable, the user must manually disengage them in order for the engine to restart regular performance. In most cases, they are buried or otherwise concealed in a difficult-to-find area.

Kill Switch

Kill Switch

The fact that certain vehicles have multiple kill switches makes it more difficult for thieves to steal them. However, in order to ensure that they are installed correctly, we strongly advise that you seek the assistance of a professional.

Steering Wheel

If you want to prevent the theft of your vehicle, this is the method that offers the best chance of success; hence, if you are interested in doing so, you should give serious consideration to doing so. Because it is physically impossible for them to do so in a secure manner, even experienced auto thieves are unable to drive a vehicle that does not have a steering wheel.

Steering Wheel

Steering Wheel

A removable steering wheel is easy to install and can save you a lot of money. Finding a place for the wheel is another challenge, as they are large!

GPS Tracker

For the purpose of ensuring the safety of their loved ones, an overwhelming majority of drivers today have global positioning system (GPS) trackers installed in their vehicles. However, thieves are also employing this method, and they have found that it is particularly effective when applied to the theft of valuable vehicles. They are going to conceal a GPS tracker underneath the vehicle so that they can keep a close eye on its location at all times.

GPS Tracker

GPS Tracker

They can watch where you drive and when the vehicle is abandoned. They’ll know when your house is unoccupied and break in. Check your vehicle often for concealed ones.

Tire Lock

Having a tire lock fastened to at least one of the wheels on your vehicle provides an additional layer of protection that is also quite efficient. Despite the fact that the procedure of installing them can be rather complicated at times, you can have peace of mind knowing that they will deter any potential thieves from stealing your vehicle. They will do this by rendering it impossible for them to do so.

Tire Lock

Tire Lock

Driving with a tire lock is nearly impossible! If you want to park your car for a long time, this is a good idea. Just hide your keys.

Coin Catcher

Thieves will utilize this simple method to break into your vehicle because, despite its simplicity, it is still somewhat imaginative in nature. This is why thieves choose to use it. An intruder can make your vehicle believe that the door is locked while in fact it is not secured by inserting a penny into the door handle. As a matter of fact, the door does not have any lock on it at all.

Coin Catcher

Coin Catcher

In your absence, they can open the door and drive off. They normally do this to the passenger doors, so check all of them before locking your car. You never know!

Closed Windows

Despite the fact that we have discussed a subject that is quite similar to the one we are currently discussing, I believe that it is vital to review this material once more because it is so important. Because criminals will take advantage of even the slightest openings they may find, you should check to see that all of the windows in your vehicle are closed before getting out of it.

Closed Windows

Closed Windows

Thieves may enter your vehicle through even the smallest windows if they try. They have the ability to take your goods as well as the vehicle and drive away. Always make sure to shut the windows!

Wheels In

To prevent the thievery of your automobile, here is yet another uncomplicated method that will not require any further financial outlay on your part. Thefts can be deterred from making a rapid escape and will have a harder time evading capture if the wheels are angled inward just a little bit. As soon as you step out of the vehicle, the steering wheel lock will promptly and automatically engage…

Wheels In

Wheels In

This makes it harder to remove the wheels from this position. This can delay the burglars’ escape by seconds or minutes, helping you apprehend them. The fix is simple!

First Impressions

We’ve discussed a variety of preventative measures you may take to secure your vehicle, and we’ll continue to do so now. However, it is critical to remember that the initial impression is the most crucial. The first impression you create on someone is extremely significant. If you implement several of these tips, your vehicle may look to be much more difficult to steal than it actually is.

First Impressions

First Impressions

When an automobile is difficult to steal, robbers are less inclined to try. No strategy is 100% effective in stopping thieves, but you should protect your car.