Did you know the dog days of summer are prime time for auto theft? According to the National Highway Safety Administration the top two months for vehicle theft are July and August. Every 24 seconds a car finds a “new owner” in the US.
Car theft can happen anywhere and anytime, but it’s important to remember that often these are crimes of opportunity and can be our own careless mistakes that make the opportunity too good to resist.
We’ve heard from clients and the Dallas Police Department that the “bad guys” have some new tricks up their sleeves. They’re no longer just going for the car! Thieves are breaking car windows to steal garage door openers and vehicle registrations.
Why Should I Worry?
Think about it. With these two items, they can drive to your house, open your garage door with the remote, pull inside, close the door so they won’t be seen, and then smash your interior garage door to gain access to everything inside your home. Some people even make their job easier by leaving the door from their garage into the house unlocked.
What can I do?
Here’s our recommendation: Don’t carry your insurance card (or other documents that show your address, like your registration card or mail) in the glove box. Thieves will look their first! Put these items into a zip-lock bag, seal it, and put it under your floor mat. You’ll know where to find it when you need it but the thieves won’t.
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when you park your car at a football or baseball game, shopping center, park, or festival:
- Always take your key; don’t leave it in or on your vehicle.
- Keep valuables and mail out of plain sight.
- Don’t leave your car running because “it’s just a quick stop at Starbucks” or, you’re “only running into the store to get a Texas Lottery ticket.”
- If you have an electric garage door opener, hide it in an inconspicuous spot.
- Always shut all windows and lock car doors.
