Your car is probably one of your most valuable and important assets, especially if you work in a job that requires you to have your own transport. As great as that new car feeling is, it also leaves you open to potential theft, especially if you live in an area with relatively high rates of crime.
In theory, any car could be a potential target, but there are certain factors that make some cars stand out to thieves and vandals. The good news is that just by reconsidering your routine and trusting your gut, you can make your car seem less attractive to the wrong people and dramatically decrease the likelihood of theft or damage.
Want to keep your car under lock and key? Keep reading for some guidelines on finding the perfect parking spot.
Out in the open
The idea of parking by yourself in an open space might seem a little daunting, especially if you’re a fan of classic horror movies, but the truth is that it’s much safer than hiding away in a less visible location.
The benefits of this are two-fold. Firstly, potential thieves and vandals won’t be able to use the element of surprise to their advantage and sneak up on you. Secondly, when your car is easy to see, potential thieves and vandals will have nowhere to hide, and just the idea of being caught will act as a major deterrent.
Besides, as open spaces are everywhere, from gardens to parking bays on the side of the road, you won’t have to look very hard to find a space that gives you plenty of visibility. Combine your perfect position with a lock that would put even a mobile locksmith to the test, and there’ll be nothing standing between you and a great day.
Near other cars
Cars mean people, and most crimes happen when there are no other people around. The reason is fairly obvious, too: even the most opportunistic thief would think twice about breaking the law in plain sight.
When you park near other cars, regardless of the time of day, you know that other people must be nearby, which gives you a sense of safety in numbers.
It’s not just your safety you’re protecting with this strategy, either – parking close to others also decreases the likelihood that someone will crash into your car and cause damage.
Near CCTV cameras
If you’re out in the middle of nowhere, CCTV cameras might be difficult to find, but if you do spot one, you’ll know that your car is about as safe as it could be.
When it comes down to it, there are plenty of reasons to invest in CCTV technology for your home or business. Not only will these devices allow you to catch daring criminals in the act, but it will also actively prevent potential crimes by showing would-be perpetrators that you are serious about protecting your assets and your safety.
Even if you aren’t ready to get one of these systems for yourself, you can still benefit from others’ investment. As growing numbers of business owners invest in these devices to protect their assets, they also create opportunities for you to benefit by positioning yourself strategically.
Away from trucks
Again, car vandals and thieves are mostly concerned with finding cars they can access without being seen, and trucks provide the perfect coverage. Even if you are parked in broad daylight in a designated car park, a pair of trucks on either side of your car will be more than enough to eliminate fears and concerns for potential thieves.
If you plan to leave your car in one place for a while, it’s worth considering the fact that trucks may park beside you while you’re away. To minimise the chance of that happening, opt for narrow car parks where possible, or just make a point of parking a notable distance from the other cars in the parking area.
In an ideal world, you would be able to park your car in a car park without any second thoughts or concerns about safety. Unfortunately, it’s almost impossible to eliminate all security risks – even in your own garage – but with a few simple strategies up your sleeve, you’ll be able to minimize the likelihood of any worst-case scenario coming true.
