Top 10 Ways To Combat
Car Theft
Vehicle theft is a growing concern, with sophisticated criminals continually finding new ways to gain access to cars. While modern technology offers convenience, it also presents new challenges in securing our vehicles. Here are the best tips and tricks to help you protect your vehicle from theft.
1. RFID Blockers
Behold the wonders of RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology, which grants us the ease of keyless entry and ignition. With such technology advancements, we can also get vulnerabilities that criminals will take advantage of.
How do we fight back?
If you have already purchased a faraday bag or another type of RFID blocker, then you are already fighting back. Faraday bags have an interior made of metals such as copper, nickel and silver, In most bags these metals are formed together to create a mesh or fabric material called faraday. The metal materials interfere with radio frequencies and thus, are used in blocking your car key signal.
Why Choose the Armor 3 Instead of a Faraday Pouch?
- Prevent Theft: Believe it or not, there have been vehicles stolen within minutes of taking it out the faraday pouch/box. Watch this video where the user describes this exact situation. How can we prevent this from happening? How can you keep your key fob protected with easy access to buttons whenever you want?
- One Handed Operation: Unlike faraday pouches and other aluminum cases, Our innovative design lets you seamlessly open and close your case with a flick of a thumb.
- Durability: Aluminum cases are robust and long-lasting, providing continuous protection for your key fob.
- Compact Design: These cases are sleek and portable, making them easy to carry around without adding bulk to your keys.
2. Park in Well-Lit and Secure Areas
Always try to park your car in well-lit areas, especially at night. Thieves are less likely to target vehicles in areas where they can be easily seen. If possible, park in secure, monitored parking lots with surveillance cameras.
Park in your garage. You may have seen videos of expensive cars left lonely on the driveway get stolen in the night. Park your vehicle in the garage or park a less expensive vehicle in front of your best vehicle. More deterrents and distractions the better.
3. Install Deterrents
A car alarm system is a deterrent for thieves. Modern alarm systems can detect unauthorized entry, tilting, and even attempts to start the vehicle without the proper key. Choose an alarm system with a loud siren and visible deterrents like blinking lights or window decals.
Steering wheel locks are a physical barrier that makes it difficult for thieves to drive your car away. They are highly visible and act as a strong deterrent, as they require significant effort and time to remove. You may have seen videos where these locks have been disabled under a minute using just a power tool. Although this is true, a thief may not want to go through the trouble of this task and look for easier pickings elsewhere.
4. Lock Your Doors and Windows
It may seem obvious, but always double-check your doors and windows are locked when you leave your car. Modern cars often have remote locking systems, but it’s worth manually verifying that everything is secure.
5. Consider a GPS Tracking Device & Cameras
A GPS tracking device can help you recover your vehicle if it’s stolen. These devices can be hidden in various parts of your car and provide real-time location tracking. In the event of a theft, you can quickly notify law enforcement of your vehicle’s whereabouts. One tracker many people use are Apple Airtags.
Have you installed cameras inside your vehicle? if not it’s time to get one installed. Cameras are crucial for evidence and can also help settle insurance claims faster. Install cameras on your home as well, preferably pointing towards your driveway or where your vehicle is parked.
6. Do Not Leave Vehicle Unattended While Defrosting
If you don’t have a remote starter, don’t start your car and leave the vehicle unattended. Thieves are quicker than you think and by the time you grab your coffee and come back, your vehicle is gone with the wind.
7. Consider Locking Your Onboard Diagnostic Port
What’s the Onboard Diagnostic Port? It’s a port located underneath the steering wheel column which can be plugged into with a cable and thus, linked to an external device. The ODP is used by mechanics to get information on the well being of your car, it can also be used by thieves to access your vehicle computer system. Once plugged in, thieves can reprogram an empty FOB key to work with your vehicle.
You can purchase an ODP lock on Amazon, follow Youtube tutorials on the installation method and your mind is at peace.
8. What Are Valuables?
This is obvious but some people don’t think it through. Valuables are not only expensive items but can also be debit cards, driver’s license, personal information. Expensive items may garner attention but, these days your personal info is also valuable on the dark web. Don’t leave these lying around your car and visible to people walking by.
9. Maintain Your Vehicle Regularly
Everything in life requires maintenance, whether it’s cleaning your room or the amount of food you eat. Same principles apply to your car.
Regularly check your car’s locks, windows, and alarm system to ensure everything is functioning correctly. Address any malfunctions immediately.
10. Be Vigilant
Report any suspicious activity to local authorities and encourage your community to be proactive about vehicle safety.