5 Tips to Prevent Car Theft

For many of us, cars are our primary mode of transportation, making them an essential part of our lives. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over 800,000 motor vehicles were stolen in 2020 alone. Protect your vehicle and prevent car theft using these 5 safety tips!

Tip #1: Park in Open Well-lit Areas

One of the easiest ways to help prevent car theft is to park in open, well-lit areas near your destination. Whether that be in a grocery store parking lot or a shopping center parking garage, you should always park close to an entrance when possible. Thieves are less likely to break into a vehicle parked in high foot traffic areas, where everyone has a clear view of their surroundings.

Consequently, avoid parking in low-light confined areas. Parking near delivery trucks, dumpsters, and other large objects that obstruct the visibility of your car, provides thieves with an opportunity to strike! 

Tip #2: Hide Your Valuables Out of Sight

Shopping bags, purses, electronics, and even loose change make vehicles more susceptible to being broken into, especially when they’re left out in the open. Before leaving your car parked, put away any valuables in your trunk or glove box. Leaving your belongings in plain sight, not only opens up your vehicle to the possibility of a smash-and-grab situation but also makes stealing your car a more attractive option.

Tip #3: Close and Lock All Windows and Doors

Summer is here and so is hot weather! You may be tempted to leave your windows partially open to help hot air escape when your vehicle is parked. But, ask yourself this question – is cooling down your car by a few degrees worth the risk of theft and vandalism?

If your answer is no, then make sure to close and lock all your windows and doors before leaving your vehicle. Remember, a skilled car thief can get inside your vehicle with just a few inches of open window space.

Tip #4: Don’t Leave Your Keys in Your Car

This next tip should be a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised at how many people leave their cars unattended with the keys in the ignition. Even if you’re waiting for your car to warm up before work or just stopping by a convenience store to grab a quick snack, you should never leave your keys in your vehicle! Car thieves are constantly on the lookout for an easy target. You’re practically handing over the keys to your car by leaving them in your vehicle.

Tip #5: Install a Compustar Security System

Installing a Compustar security system to your vehicle is one of the best things you could do to protect your car from thieves. Compustar security systems even help with some of the previously mentioned tips to keep your vehicle safe.

Here are a few Compustar security system features that help prevent car theft:

• Warm up or cool down your car safely with keyless remote start
• Compustar remotes enable you to lock your doors from 1,500 feet and up to 3 miles
• “Pit Stop” mode allows you to take your keys out of the ignition while keeping your engine running during a quick pit stop
• 2-way remotes notify you when your car alarm is triggered due to shock, impact, glass-break, or tilt

How to Buy a Compustar Security System

Compustar makes it easy to add security to most vehicles! If you’re considering a Compustar security system, visit our Dealer Locator page to choose from over 2000 authorized retailers in North America. 

To check your vehicle’s compatibility with our products, try our System Builder tool! You’ll be able to check our system’s compatibility with your vehicle’s specific year, make, and model. We’ll even recommend the best remotes based on your preferred style and intended use.