Car Security Tips

Proper car security can keep you from becoming a victim of crime. Being more aware of your surroundings, looking out for suspicious activity and taking preventive steps to protect yourself are just some of the ways to be safe.

When You Park Your Car

When parking your car, you want to park in a well-lit area. Parking your car where there is a lot of pedestrian or car traffic is also a good idea. Before getting out of your car, look around and notice your surroundings. Are there any suspicious looking people hanging around?

If you park in a parking lot with an attendant on duty, ask him/her if there will be an attendant on duty when you return to your car. If you have to leave your keys with the attendant, give him or her ONLY the car key. Don't leave all your keys with the attendant. There have been cases where attendants have made copies of people's keys before returning them back to the car owners.

If you're parking your car in a parking garage, once again try to park in a well-lit area. Park near the entrance/exit or near walkways. When you get out of your car, look around and pay close attention to your surroundings. And remember where you park. We all have done it. We get back to the parking garage and we forget where we parked. Write down the level and number of your parking space if you don't think you can remember it.

When You Return to Your Car

When returning to your car, look around and notice any people acting suspiciously. Have your key out and ready before you reach your car. Some attacks happen as people are standing at their door fumbling around looking for their keys.

While you're walking to your car, look at it and make sure there is nothing wrong with the appearance of your car. If you have a flat tire, go to a nearby store or go someplace with heavy pedestrian traffic and call for help (AAA or police).

Make sure there is no one standing around your car. If there is someone or a group of people hanging around your car, walk away and call for help.

When you get to your car, check the passenger and back seats to make sure no one is hiding in your car. Check under the car also. Once in your car, lock your doors before doing anything else.

I know some of these car security tips may seem obsessive, but as I've said several times on this website, better safe than sorry. Unfortunately, you have to take these precautions in order to lower your chances of some criminal attacking you or worse.

More Car Security Tips There are some simple car security tips that you can use to lower the chances of a thief stealing your car.