How to Prevent Car Theft

As you are no doubt aware, car theft is rife in South Africa. Car thieves are always on the prowl to find an easy-to-steal car or a car containing a CD/radio, CD's, cash, iPods, credit cards, cell phones, handbags, laptops, sun glasses, luggage, sports equipments and anything else that can be quickly and easily snatched.

Obviously every time your car is stolen or broken into, your monthly insurance premiums will be affected as will the status of your no claims bonus. The best thing you can do is try to safeguard against your car or any of your possessions being stolen.

Here are a few straight forward tips you can follow to reduce the chances of car theft:

1. Don't leave your cars door unlocked, your windows wound down or your sunroof open when away from your car. Even if you are only away for half a minute, that it plenty of time for a seasoned criminal to steal you blind.
2. Don't leave your personal belongings 'temptingly' lying out in the open inside your car. Instead, lock them in your cubby hole or in the boot. Remember, out of sight, out of mind.
3.  Don't ever leave your keys in your ignition if your car is unattended. Again, it can take a car thief just a few seconds to drive off in your car.
4. Try to park your car in well-lit streets and/or parking lots. Avoid dark streets or lots where possible.
5. If you have a detachable CD/radio, remove the face from the car when possible. Make sure you have written down the radio's serial number in any case.
6. Keep your doors locked at all times when in your car and don't keep valuables on the passenger seat where thieves can easily snatch them if the window is open or if they smash the window.
7. Ensure that your car has ample anti-theft devices such as a car alarm, an immobiliser, a satellite tracking system or a gear lock.
8. When taking goods or groceries to your car after a shopping trip, keep a sharp lookout for suspicious characters or people just hanging around. If you spot one, then go back into the shopping centre or mall and try to find a security guard to accompany you to your car.