Don’t Leave Enticement in Plain Sight

Step one to avoiding damage to your vehicle is to not go out of your way to make it appealing to would-be thieves.  Laptops, phones, chargers, and purses left on the seat in plain sight seem like easy pickings for a quick smash and grab or an extra bonus to someone looking for the best target in a parking lot.  Stash these items away in the trunk or under the seat and avoid setting yourself up for failure. Better yet, take your valuables with you.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

Another easy way to protect your automobile is to be judicious in your selection of a parking space.  While that dark, unlit, narrow alley may seem like a convenient spot to park to avoid the mad mall rush, it’s probably not the best for automobile safety.  Well-lit and crowded areas will deter thieves who are leery of being caught in the act.  Walking a few more steps to your destination is not only good for your health, it can protect your call as well.

Engage That Security System

Many cars, late-model or not, have theft deterrence features built in. This may have been an afterthought in your review of the car in favor of your interest in the entertainment system, but your owner’s manual likely points to a vehicle security system.  So why is it, then, that most people are not aware of these features or choose not to engage them if they are?  Built-in security features differ by make, and model, so please reference your owner’s manual for specifics. Whether you have a chip you can remove or an option your key FOB, you’ll want to learn what it is, and you’ll want to use it.

Know Where Your Vehicle Is at all Times

Speaking of security systems, why not take advantage of everything modern technology has to offer when it comes to protecting your vehicle.  GPS location is more common and affordable now than you might realize.  Know where your car is located in the event of a theft which can help the police locate the criminal, and your property before it’s too late.

Active Security Solutions

Speaking of security, car security systems have come a long way from the days of obnoxious alarms that most people end up ignoring anyways.  Chip keys keep the engine from turning over unless the proper device is placed in the ignition.  Active security systems also disable the engine in the event of the alarm being tripped.  Others operate along the lines of home alarms, and alert the appropriate authorities in the event they are triggered.

From preventative measure to proactive security solutions, car owners in need of security tips, guidance or systems should call A-1 Locksmith to discuss protecting their vehicular investment.  A few minutes, and dollars spent up front can help avoid a big loss, and can keep you on the road, and on the go.

If this situation sounds familiar enough, you also have probably rarely left the comfort of your cozy bed to investigate what triggered the alarm in the first place.  Does this mean that car alarms aren’t effective or that you shouldn’t worry about purchasing, installing or maintaining them on your vehicle?  Read on to discover whether our anecdotal tale has any real life statistics when it comes to car alarms, and deterring crime.

By the Numbers

When it comes to ignoring car alarms, you aren’t alone.  And as it turns out, most of the time you’d be right to put the pillow over your ears, and go back to sleep.  A study conducted in the 1990’s concluded that between 95-99% of all triggered car alarms were false.  It would make sense, then, that 99% of triggered car alarms are not followed up on (we hope we made you feel better that you weren’t the only one).  Few studies have been conducted on deterrence given the understandably reluctant nature of thieves to discuss their preferences, but research suggests that cars with alarms are only slightly less likely to be stolen than those without.

What Does Law Enforcement Have to Say?

While law enforcement typically isn’t the type to complain, they do field their fair share of calls regarding car alarms.  Unfortunately, most of these have to do with nuisance car alarms, or those that continuously go off creating havoc, and reducing quality sleep, in residential neighborhoods. Most major local law enforcement and city websites address car alarms, and significant resources are dedicated to resolving neighborhood disputes over the noise pollution.

More Than Just Noise

With the general consensus that car alarms are only minimally effective at preventing vehicle theft, and the growing tide of noise pollution complaints given the number of falsely triggered alarms, it would seem that car alarms were a useless security tool.  Or are they?

While alarms may be outdated noisemakers, complimentary security systems, have been shown to be effective at both theft prevention and vehicle recovery.  Car alarms that couple horns blaring, beeping and honking with modern technologies that disable the engine until a key is nearby, can greatly reduce the chances of your car being stolen.  GPS based systems, such as LoJack, have been proven to drastically reduce recovery time for your stolen vehicle, decreasing the risk that your car will be damaged upon return.

In any situation, a car alarm is only effective if your car’s standard lock system has not been compromised. Contact A-1 today to learn about our extensive auto-protection services