How to Keep Your Car Safe When You Live in an Apartment Complex
Keeping a car safe and secure in your apartment complex parking lot is one of the many worries renters face. Thieves and vandals that are intent on robbing vehicles or simply burglarizing the contents you keep inside have a general idea of what to look for and which cars to target. Knowing what makes one car more of a target over another gives you an idea of steps you can take to prevent car break ins and keep your car safe.
These are a few easy to implement tips that apartment complex tenets can put in practice.
Remove Valuables From the Car
One of the main reasons car thieves break into cars is because they see something of value sitting in an empty car. Therefore, it is wise and smart to take all valuables out of the car with you when you leave it in the lot. Car robberies are swift, often occurring in just the few minutes that it takes for a window to be smashed and the items to be grabbed.
Always Lock Your Doors
Most of the time cars that are broken into or stolen are chosen when a tested door turns out to be unlocked. Always lock the doors of your vehicle even if you will only be gone for the few minutes that it takes to run into your apartment and grab something. Even more important, do not leave your keys in the ignition of your car, inside the car, or anywhere that they can be accessed by other people not authorized to drive the vehicle.
Introduce Yourself to Your Neighbors
Studies show that when people take the time to know each other, their neighbors, people they interact with in the same space, the community tends to be more involved and watches out for each other. Take the time to introduce yourself to your neighbors, find out which apartment unit they live in, and what they drive. Let your neighbors know that you are able to keep an eye on their property and ask them to do the same.
Add a Security System
Car security systems have decreased in usage over the years because their effectiveness has been called into question, but noise does make a difference. Install a security system in your car with the help of an automotive locksmith as an additional layer of protection and prevention.
Parking your car outside every night can have some risks. Ease your worries by following the above tips to keep your car safe and secure.