Don't get caught: prevent car thefts with these simple tips!
Sanjay · Oct 10, 2020 09:00 AM
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Yeah that's right - keep prying hands away!
Last week, we shed light on what are the top 10 most stolen cars in Malaysia for Q1 2020. We know many of you own cars in that list, so this week we’ll share with you some quick tips on how to secure your car from thieves.
Let's set the scene. Imagine you're driving down a mall parking and boom, you've found a parking spot. First things first...
1. Start with parking in a well-lit place
Good parking - bright place and facing a door.
Nice, there's no hidden Kancil - but wait! - is it bright? Parking in well-lit places help reduce the risk of break-ins. It's even better if you can park near places with high foot traffic or near a guard too. Always better to have more eyes around your car.
Simple logic - thieves are creatures of opportunity. They want the easiest way to things. So if it's bright and in full-view? They'd much rather not risk it and move on.
2. Remove valuables from car
Leave your car like this as much as possible.
Another obvious answer is giving your car a once-over before you leave it. Check cubby holes for your wallet/purse (everyone knows someone who just takes the cards but leave their wallet in there...don't do that), phones, and any bags you might have. The less things that are visible in your car, the better.
Like this - nothing in the cupholders or cubbies.
Also - don't forget to bring your parking ticket along, to save you the trouble of coming back to your car for it later.
3. Put on a brake/steering lock
Newer cars have immobilisers and alarms, but you want to avoid thieves from breaking into your car in the first place. For this, it's wise to invest in a big steering lock, or perhaps even a brake lock.
As with most car accessories, remember to get reputable ones and not cheapo locks that have the integrity of an RM 5 bicycle lock.
4. Close your windows, lock your car and double check!
If the windows are open a notch, some thieves can use creative ways to unlock your car.
So - purse and phone in your pocket, laptop in the bag on your shoulders? Good. Before you leave your car, pull up all window switches to make sure there's no open gaps. Just to be safe.
Also good to make sure you didn't leave your lights on. Save your batteries!
As you leave your car, hit the lock button and confirm its locked! Maybe grab the handle once to be really sure.
5. My cars have keyless entry...how do I protect it?
You've probably heard of 'relay hacks' (basically using a relay amplifier to transmit the signal emitted from your car keys to unlock/start the car). To protect this from happening, check your owner's manual to see if the car keys can be switched off.
An example of a Faraday pouch.
Other than that, you can also opt for a (good) Faraday pouch. This will ensure no 'signal leaks' occur, thereby rendering the thieves' amplifiers useless.
It's pretty simple to protect your cars - you just have to be mindful each time you get in and out of it. As always, if you have any more tips to share, let us know in the comments section and in our new Wapcar Forum.
With humble beginnings collecting diecast models and spending hours virtually tuning dream cars on the computer, his love of cars has delightfully transformed into a career. Sanjay enjoys how the same passion for cars transcends boundaries and brings people together.
