by Car theft is a profitable business for criminals. Car owners are increasingly concerned about the safety of their vehicles, since now thieves use modern equipment and unconventional tricks. In this article, based on the recommendations of law enforcement agencies, we will describe effective ways to minimize the risk of theft.
Garage Storage or Secured Parking
Having a garage significantly simplifies the life of a car owner. Leaving the car in an enclosed space is a reliable way to protect it from the attempts of criminals. This method is often called old-fashioned, as every car used to have a garage.
But now the number of vehicles significantly exceeds the capacity of cooperatives, and it’s not always financially feasible to buy a garage near home.
Residents of elite high-rises have access to underground parking as a modern alternative to garage storage. It is also safe to leave your car in a paid secured parking lot. Ideally, its perimeter should be fenced, and the area monitored by CCTV cameras. A vigilant security guard and a barrier are an additional bonus for car safety.
Locking Devices and Alarm Systems
Most often, cars are stolen from temporary parking spots, unguarded parking areas, and yards. Car owners, regardless of having a garage or secured parking, should consider additional protective measures.
An effective way is to install a physical steering wheel and pedal lock.
It is hard to miss when peering into the cabin through the glass. The presence of such a device will deter criminals who are not ready to break the locking mechanism. A similar device can immobilize the gear lever.
Another way to avoid theft is an alarm system with two-way communication. This digital device interfaces with a phone. The owner’s smartphone receives instant notifications of any intrusion attempts.
Most importantly, in case of an alarm, the car can be remotely locked.
A regular sound alarm is also useful. It will be handy if the driver is nearby and can hear the siren.
GPS Tracker
If preventive measures fail, experts recommend installing a GPS beacon on the car. This small electronic device allows you to locate and track the movements of the vehicle.
A car beacon is useful for modern drivers, as it performs many functions and takes up little space. It’s usually hidden in the car’s cabin. The tracker transmits information about the vehicle’s status through a SIM card.
The car owner receives data on their smartphone with coordinates on a map in the special Autotracking application.
Beacons can be purchased from the online store Shop.kyivstar.ua or any licensed auto shop.
Thieves are aware of such technologies, so they additionally check cars with a special device. The advantage of the tracker from Kyivstar is that scanners cannot detect it. The car owner has an advantage over the criminals. The “Chase” mode activated from the smartphone ensures uninterrupted data transmission on the vehicle’s location coordinates in real time, facilitating the work of law enforcement in capturing criminals.
But despite innovative technical protection systems, in the event of a theft, one should immediately contact the police. Time is a decisive factor in solving any crime.
