You’re heading back to your car from the grocery store when you hear it—the alarm going off. Someone has smashed through your auto glass. As of 2017, there were about 773,000 vehicles stolen in the United States—not to count those thieves who might have just been interested in a purse or GPS system. To lower your risk of becoming part of these statistics, practice the following. 

What Precautions to Take to Safeguard Your Car?

1. Don’t Leave Valuables Out

Even if you’re only making a quick stop, don’t leave valuable personal possessions out in the open. A purse on the passenger seat makes a tempting target. If you are hopping from store to store, put your recent purchases in the trunk or cover them with a blanket. You might also place a reflective shield against your auto glass to block the view of the car’s interior and to combat the sun’s rays.

2. Remember Your Keys

Leaving keys behind is an all too common accident. Alternatively, some people might keep their vehicle running on purpose—to supply air conditioning to their dog, for example. However, if you do, you might come back to find your car has disappeared. Therefore, always double-check that the door is locked when you leave and don’t take your pets anywhere you can’t stay with them.

3. Don’t Park in Suspicious Areas

Vandals and thieves rely on the cover of darkness or the inattention of an empty street. To give them less opportunity to cause mischief, park within view of other cars and people. If it’s night time, look for a space under a streetlight.

Was your car the recent victim of a break-in? Count on Miracle Workers Auto Collision Center in Lincoln, NE, for everything from body repair to auto glass replacement. Serving locals for over 30 years, owner Steve Rexroth and his team provide quality work backed by a full warranty. To learn more about their services, visit them online. Call (402) 474-7355 to set up an appointment.