Car thieves and carjackers are growing more brazen by the day. According to the Association of Kenya Insurers (AKI), approximately 100 cars are reported as stolen to insurance companies every month. This is all the more reason to take extra care. This is how to prevent your car from being stolen.
Lock all doors
Ensure all doors are locked, even while driving. When leaving the car, lock it, it does not matter how long you will be gone. Even if it is for a short while, ensure the car is locked.
Do not leave valuables in plain sight
Do not leave your valuables where passers-by can see them. They might be tempted to not just steal them, but make away with your car altogether.
Never leave your car running
This is will make the thieves’ work so easy.
Anti-theft system
Invest in a foolproof anti-theft system for your car. Thieves avoid cars that will be quickly recovered.
Do not leave your keys in the car
This will make it even easier to start the car and the thieves will be gone before you know it.
Know where you are going
Be very aware of your surrounding and use routes you are familiar with. Do not be tempted to pass through high crime areas to escape the traffic – stick to safe routes. More so, the more clueless you look, the more likely car thieves are to spot and steal from you.
Make use of obstructions
Leave your car in park or in gear with the wheels turned towards an obstruction. This will make it hard for thieves to tow your vehicle away.
Night parking
While a good number of cars are stolen during the day, most of them are often stolen at night. You should be especially particular about where you park at night. Make sure the area is well-lit and guarded. Do not go with the ‘no cars have ever been stolen here’ narrative. These thieves can strike at any time.
Car jackers
If you are ever carjacked, do not resist. Most carjackers are dangerous, armed criminals who are nervous to get away and have not time to waste. You can always get another car, but once your life is lost, that will be it.
SOURCE: parentsafrica.com
