Prevention Tips for Car Break-Ins and Thefts
The United States is ranked #1 from all countries for car break-in's and thefts. Statistics show that in 2009 approximately 181,884 car break-in's and 50,298 car thefts occurred in Florida alone (disastercenter.com) and 1,245,091 car break-in's and thefts in the United States. So how can we prevent this rapid growing crime? Many people think it's bad luck or maybe they were at the wrong place at the wrong time. In reality a crime can happen anywhere and anytime, all it takes is a criminal stalking for a prey (victim). So the real question is, how can we prevent a criminal to look at us as prey?
There are many things you can do to prevent in becoming a victim to a car break-in or theft. One thing that should be one of the easiest tasks, but most people always forget, is to LOCK the doors from your vehicle. Also put your car-alarm on and make sure all windows are up and secured. By you easily locking the doors in your vehicle, you are minimizing the opportunity for a burglar to commit a theft. Now the burglar has to think of another option or tactic to commit a theft.
Secondly, check your surroundings. When I was a Security Officer for a prestigious security company in Florida by the name of Regions Security Services, Inc., I was trained to always have a 360-mindset. For many people a 360-mindset may mean many things, but for a Law Enforcement or Security Officer it means to always be alert and aware of our surroundings. For example, when you park your vehicle at a shopping center or parking lot, take a few seconds to view and check your surroundings. You can ask yourself several questions like, Is my vehicle parked far away from the other vehicles? Is there a lot of activity such as pedestrians who seem curious or groups of kids walking around loitering? Ask yourself these questions if you station your vehicle in empty parking lots or in a neighborhood known for crimes etc. If you do find yourself in any of these circumstances, use your wise judgment, and find another parking lot or parking space where is closer to your destination. Just remember, ALWAYS check your surroundings.
Thirdly, never leave personal belongings or accessories in your vehicle. Many car thieves may walk by your vehicle as an innocent pedestrian, when actually they are observing what you have inside your vehicle! To prevent any thief on doing this, hide or take with you, any purse, wallet, bags (even if it is empty), G.P.S and digital technology-laptops, cameras, cell phones, etc- (G.P.S and digital technologies are the most preferred items to steal for criminals due to it's high value in the market). Never leave anything visible that might attract attention. A good strategy is to place all belongings that you don't want to take with you, and place them in the trunk prior to parking.
The NICB (National Insurance Crime Bureau) recommends warning devices such as, alarms, tracking systems, and immobilizing devices. Also, you can play a psychological game and buy steering wheel locks, that might make a thief think twice before messing with your vehicle.
You are never 100% secured or safe of car break-in's or thefts but you can reduce the possibilities by following these general guidelines to prevent any theft or break-in to your vehicle. All of these suggestions are highly recommended so that you won't be vulnerable or become a victim to these crimes.
There are many things you can do to prevent in becoming a victim to a car break-in or theft. One thing that should be one of the easiest tasks, but most people always forget, is to LOCK the doors from your vehicle. Also put your car-alarm on and make sure all windows are up and secured. By you easily locking the doors in your vehicle, you are minimizing the opportunity for a burglar to commit a theft. Now the burglar has to think of another option or tactic to commit a theft.
Secondly, check your surroundings. When I was a Security Officer for a prestigious security company in Florida by the name of Regions Security Services, Inc., I was trained to always have a 360-mindset. For many people a 360-mindset may mean many things, but for a Law Enforcement or Security Officer it means to always be alert and aware of our surroundings. For example, when you park your vehicle at a shopping center or parking lot, take a few seconds to view and check your surroundings. You can ask yourself several questions like, Is my vehicle parked far away from the other vehicles? Is there a lot of activity such as pedestrians who seem curious or groups of kids walking around loitering? Ask yourself these questions if you station your vehicle in empty parking lots or in a neighborhood known for crimes etc. If you do find yourself in any of these circumstances, use your wise judgment, and find another parking lot or parking space where is closer to your destination. Just remember, ALWAYS check your surroundings.
Thirdly, never leave personal belongings or accessories in your vehicle. Many car thieves may walk by your vehicle as an innocent pedestrian, when actually they are observing what you have inside your vehicle! To prevent any thief on doing this, hide or take with you, any purse, wallet, bags (even if it is empty), G.P.S and digital technology-laptops, cameras, cell phones, etc- (G.P.S and digital technologies are the most preferred items to steal for criminals due to it's high value in the market). Never leave anything visible that might attract attention. A good strategy is to place all belongings that you don't want to take with you, and place them in the trunk prior to parking.
The NICB (National Insurance Crime Bureau) recommends warning devices such as, alarms, tracking systems, and immobilizing devices. Also, you can play a psychological game and buy steering wheel locks, that might make a thief think twice before messing with your vehicle.
You are never 100% secured or safe of car break-in's or thefts but you can reduce the possibilities by following these general guidelines to prevent any theft or break-in to your vehicle. All of these suggestions are highly recommended so that you won't be vulnerable or become a victim to these crimes.
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