Car Crime Trends: 5 Tips to Stop Vehicle Theft in its Tracks

Whether it’s brand new out-of-the-box, a previously loved jalopy, the family run-around, or your very first car, vehicles are more than just a way to get from A to B. They are our pride and joy – regularly polished and protected at all costs!
The feeling of waking up to an empty garage, a bare parking spot, or a broken window can be enough to break your heart. With the recent increase in theft of vehicles and theft out of vehicles, we’ve put together 5 tips to help you protect your prized possession from damage and theft.  

1. Double, triple checking that all doors are locked. 

Remote jamming – yes it’s still happening! Whilst many are aware of this common modus operandi, criminals are still getting away with this crafty technique. These days it’s not enough to press the lock button – it’s important to check that ALL doors are locked. This was made apparent in an incident caught on CCTV earlier this year, in which thieves pulled up alongside a parked vehicle and before the driver could lock the car the suspect secretly opened one of the doors preventing it from locking.

2. Deterring tyre theft.

Car owners typically spend a significant amount of money on their rims and tyres, which makes them a hot commodity to criminals who steal tyres with the intention to resell them. The removal of tyres requires space, thus parking as close to the curb as possible can help in deterring thieves from targeting your vehicle. Also, when purchasing an anti-theft car alarm, opt for an alarm equipped with sensors that attach to the wheels and will trigger if tampered with.

3. Being picky about where you park. 

It’s common sense that criminals prefer to operate in the dark and this was true for many of the vehicle-related thefts reported to Blue over the month of August. The majority of these incidents occurred during the early hours of the morning, with the peak time being 3 am to 4 am. Parking in a secure, well-lit area can go a long way in helping to prevent vehicle theft and theft out of your vehicle.

4. Keeping your car clear of temptations.

Hang bags, shopping bags, laptops and phones left on display in your car only create temptation for opportunistic criminals looking to snatch what they can get. Whether you’re driving or parked, keeping your valuable out of sight can reduce the likelihood of criminals breaking into your vehicle. If you do need to leave valuables in the car, make sure you place them in the boot, but do so before you reach your destination as often thieves will scope parking lots – looking for people who have moved items into their boot.

5. Installing a tracker. 

Whilst it may not prevent vehicle theft, installing a tracking device could lead to the recovery of your vehicle, if it is stolen. With eyes all over Durban, the Blue Security team works closely with tracking companies assisting in the recovery of stolen vehicles. In the recent incident below, one of our alert Tactical Officers spotted a vehicle that was circulated by a tracking company and marked as hijacked in the Glenwood area.