Park your car at the trailhead for a couple of hours as you go hiking, and leave your CDs and cash so in plain sight in your console. Go try that new Chinese restaurant without your cell phone, which is calling out a full-bar "Take me" signal from your dashboard. Here are a couple of situations where you likely will be victim to have your things stolen.
Not only will you likely have things taken, but you'll also end up spending money on the auto-glass repairman and spend months pulling out stray glass pieces from the interior of your car.
Though you can't prevent "smash-and-grab" thieves completely, you can take some easy actions to decrease the changes you'll be a victim to this irritating and expensive type of theft.
Don't give them your keys
Remember that if you have a perfect hiding place for a key – such as under your seat or tucked in your sun visor – a thief has thought of that as well. A pair of keys in the ignition or left on the dashboard may tempt any thief.
Make them work for it
Think about it. The theft of small items from cars may yield the occasional bonanza (a wallet or laptop, for instance), but many thieves go for small items because of their inherent amusement value (your MP3 player or phone). What a thief wants is fun or a trickle of supplemental revenue for as little work as possible. By making your car a harder target for smash-and-grab theft, you make it less desirable.
Keep the mystery
While the trunk is better than the passenger compartment for laptops and shopping bags, an advanced thief will sometimes stake out a parking lot and watch you move your stuff. Transfer things before you get to your destination, and then you will be a step ahead of the game. So:
* Always close all of your windows and lock your car when you park.
* Turn on your security system if you have one.
* Consider tinting your windows (if it is allowed by local laws)
* Avoid utilizing the console or glove box as mobile lock boxes, since these are obvious to criminals, as well.
Don't make them comfortable
Most stealing is solitary work. The last thing thieves want is a group of gawkers with cell phones and pepper spray readily aimed. So try to keep your car conspicuous:
* Park in a well-lit area or near a lamppost, if there's a likelihood you'll be away from your car after dark.
* Park near to pedestrian and vehicle traffic, such as busy parking lots and ones with designated spaces
* Choose a lot with an attendant instead of one without.
Be alert
Witness suspicious behavior? Always trust your instincts: Don't park where you don't feel safe. And don't confront individuals on your own. If you're very worried, report your suspicions to the police or a parking attendant.
They don't want what they can't see
Smash-and-grab thief is not generally a criminal genius. Most are just casual opportunists, wondering empty parking lots without a plan or just acting on an impulse. They spot your stuff, they smash your windows, and they grab what they want. And then they run or sneak away. So either take your valuables with you or hide them in your car. Here are items no to leave lying on the seat, dashboard or floor:
* Wallets or purses
* Loose change, cash and CDs
* Backpacks, briefcases and laptop cases
* Shopping bags
* Keys
* Cell phones, MP3 players and all small electronics
