It’s news to very few that car thievery in the United States has been on the rise in recent years. In 2021, totals from the area’s major police departments reported 945 vehicles stolen in Davenport, Bettendorf, Rock Island, Moline, and East Moline. And, as of April 24, KWQC reported that over 500 cars had been stolen in the Quad Cities this year alone. While the statistics for 2023 haven’t been updated, it’s safe to say that the number has risen significantly since the spring based on statistics from years prior. If you’re looking for ways to avoid being a victim in this string of crimes, keep reading for a list of ways to ensure your protection.
Check the locks once, check the locks twice, or figure out fast who’s naughty and nice.
The first and easiest step to preventing a car break-in is ensuring that all windows are rolled up completely, and the doors to your vehicle are securely locked. However, you cannot depend on this strategy as the sole means to prevent theft. In today’s age, people are clever and will find ways to get around your car’s automatic security features. Additionally, if you are constantly on the go, it can be easy to neglect double-checking the locks. Make basic safety a priority and ensure unwanted visitors don’t have easy access to your valuables.
Keep your keys close… and your enemies far, far away.
The easiest way to steal a car is, obviously, with access to the key. Even if you’re running a quick errand in an area you believe to be safe, you should never leave your vehicle running unattended. Additionally, leaving your keys in the car or stashed nearby is an open invitation for someone to hop in and take it for a joyride. If you happen to need a copy of your key, leave it to the professional locksmiths. While key kiosks may seem convenient, you may be compromising the security of your possessions. Contact the experts at J & J for your key copying needs!
Don’t let them window shop.
Thieves aren’t above browsing around for things to steal. Keep your vehicle tidy and your valuables inside of the house, if possible. When traveling with valuables, make sure to keep them in a discreet location and out of plain sight. Even if you have empty shopping bags inside, burglars might take this as a reason to break in and peek around anyway. If you must, keep valuable items in the trunk while your vehicle is unattended. However, the best practice when it comes to valuable items is to leave them at home and in a safe if needed. Check out our line of safes and security services here.
Make that small investment, it’ll pay off down the line.
While in most cases the strategies mentioned above will do the trick, it doesn’t hurt to install an additional safety feature for some extra protection. Vehicle immobilizers prevent thieves from hot-wiring the car or otherwise starting it without a key. Though most newer models have these built in, they can be purchased aftermarket if you drive an older car. Steering wheel locks have also been increasingly popular in the string of Kia and Hyundai robberies as they attach to the wheel and keep it stable until it is unlocked. Most times, someone who is looking to steal from you wants to make a quick entry and exit, and devices such as this scream “you’re getting caught” to the person breaking in.
Here at J & J, we know the security of your home and family is of utmost importance. If you’re looking to learn more about additional safety features for your home or vehicle, give us a call at (563) 322-0123 today.
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