Criminal Defense Attorney Rahul Balaram Describes How to Protect Yourself from Car Thieves
Originally published on thealmostdone.com
Your car is a huge investment. Not only is it in a financial sense, but you rely on it every day to get you to work, school, errands, and important events. It’s hard to imagine a world without your car. Without it, life can be a struggle, which is exactly the threat car thieves pose.
Fortunately, there are plenty of tips and tricks to help improve vehicular security and lower the chances of your car being stolen or broken in to. Here, criminal defense attorney Rahul Balaram of Balaram Law Office shares five tips for keeping car thieves at bay.
Always Lock Your Car
This one may be a no-brainer, but it can be easy to forget to lock your car if you’re bringing in groceries, or you might just think your neighborhood is safe.
Once you are in your house, take the extra step to double-check that you locked your car. A minute of your time is much more valuable than a stolen car.
Also, no matter where you live, cars can and will be stolen. Many people make the mistake of believing their car won’t be targeted because they live in a safe area, but robbers travel.
Don’t Leave Valuables in Your Car
Leaving expensive cell phones, jewelry, or other valuables visible in the car is like painting a target on the door.
It puts your car at extreme risk for being broken into and greatly increases the chance of it being stolen altogether because it will be an even better “score” for the robbers. If you must leave valuables in the car, make sure you hide them.
Consider Where You Park Your Car at Night
Most car thieves prefer to steal at night because people are less likely to see something.
If you can, opt to park your car in a garage or secured area. Otherwise, be mindful of where exactly you park; if there’s a chance they could be seen, thieves are less likely to steal a car. When parking in a parking garage, try and keep it in sight of security cameras. If you park on the street, find a well-lit spot.
Invest in a Car Security System
Most cars have some sort of alarm, but some have high-tech security systems installed that go beyond an annoying, often ignored honk that helps prevent car thieves significantly.
They can immobilize your car if a person tries to hotwire your vehicle, and some provide a GPS locator to help you track down your car if it is taken.
Investing in a better car security system can also save you money since many insurance providers offer a discount for those who have one.
Don’t Leave Your Car Running
While you might be tempted to start your car to warm up during the winter months, resist the urge to leave it running and unattended. The cold might slow robbers down, but it won’t stop them altogether.
If you live in an especially cold area, you may want to invest in an automatic car starter. They have a security system built in to ensure your car is secured while it warms up.
About Rahul Balaram:
Rahul Balaram worked as a Public Defender for Solano County for many years and has represented hundreds of clients. Most recently, he worked on the misdemeanor conflict panel representing indigent clients. Rahul can be contacted at the Balaram Law Office in Santa Rosa and is available for consultation by phone and text 24/7. He represents his clients with dignity, compassion, and competence.
