Theft of, or from, your car
No matter where you are , the only way to be absolutely sure of avoiding theft, is not to leave any valuable items inside your vehicle. If you are compelled to leave belongings inside for a short while, make sure they are completely out of sight - preferably in the trunk / boot. If you are considering a hatchback and the load-space cover is an option, include it in your order. In some countries even a few coins will be enough to tempt a thief into breaking a window.
Theft need not only occur while you are away from the car, it can happen while you are sitting in it. We have heard of several people - often women - who have returned to their car, climbed in, thrown a bag onto the passenger seat, and then been told by kids that one of the near-side tires is flat. On getting out and walking round to check the "flat" tire, they then realise it was just a ruse so that another member of the gang could run off with the bag.
Other examples include ; watches and / or jewelry being snatched off one's wrist (or neck), and doors being opened at traffic lights so thieves can run off with whatever comes to hand. The only way to avoid these situations is to keep your wits about you at all times and to keep doors locked, and where possible, windows closed. The latter may not be practical in hot climates, unless your car is airconditioned. If it isn't, try to keep your watch or jewelry out of sight.
Another item regularly targeted by thieves is the complete spare wheel / tire assembly - or even all 4 or 5 of them ! Many owners have returned to their vehicles after an hour or two, or woken in the morning, to find their car standing on bricks with all the wheels removed. This does not only occur in the developing countries. You can avoid this by fitting locking wheel nuts to the vehicle's four wheels, and by securing your spare with a padlock / chain. If you do fit locking wheel nuts it is a good idea to conceal one of the keys in a safe place in / on the vehicle. Losing the wheel nut key when you have a flat tire can be very frustrating !
Finally of course there is the possibility that your vehicle will be stolen altogether. Numerous devices exist to reduce this risk and some of these have been covered in "Hi-jacking". Apart from the ideas already mentioned :
You could also consider the wide range of alarms, a wheel clamp or a steering wheel locking bar. As far as alarms are concerned the type which causes the least inconvenience is the voltage drop version which is only activated when any electrical circuit registers a charge. (Including the interior light when the door opens). Alarms which are sensitive to the slightest movement could be set off by children leaning up against the car. Whilst it would probably entertain the kids for days, it could become very frustrating for you.
Copyright © Mission and Project Support / Société d'appui aux missions et projets - 1996 - 2007