What would you do if you walked to your car, but it was gone? Vanished. You know where you parked it, but it isn’t there anymore.
Sadly, car theft is more common than you might think. Motorcycles, mopeds, trucks and cars are prized by thieves – and theft is rampant. In 2103 alone, roughly 700,000 vehicles were reported stolen throughout the United States. This means that, on average, a vehicle was stolen every 45 seconds in 2013.
To help keep you and your belongings safe, consider the tips our South Carolina injury lawyers have listed below:
- Never leave your car keys in your car or any other type of vehicle.
- Always close and lock the doors to your vehicle.
- Be sure to close all the windows completely.
- Do not leave valuable items in your car, especially in easily seen areas.
- Do not leave your vehicle when it is on.
- Always keep your vehicle in an enclosed garage when possible.
If you can’t find your car where you left it, contact the police and ask whether they have impounded it or whether it has been recovered. Sometimes, a moved car hasn’t been stolen at all, but was towed or moved by police. If the police don’t have your car, consider reporting it stolen. Call the local tow yard and make sure your car hasn’t been towed.
In addition, it is wise to invest in an electronic, antitheft system for your vehicle. This can make your car difficult to steal and easier to locate and recover. Below is a list of some different types of antitheft systems:
1. Audible devices:
- If a person attempts to steal your car, a loud or horn will bring attention to the area in which your vehicle is located. This can force thieves to run away, leaving your vehicle safe.
2. Immobilizing systems:
- These types of systems can prevent individuals from hot-wiring or bypassing your car‘s ignition in order to steal the vehicle.
3. Vehicle recovery devices:
- These kinds of systems can help law enforcement agencies track your vehicle, in the event that it is stolen.
To learn more about vehicle theft prevention, refer to this page published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
George Sink Injury Lawyers wants to help you have a safer experience – on the highway and on the job. Our firm represents hurt people, people injured through no fault of their own and disabled veterans.
Please call us at 888-612-7001 for a free case review. Keep those cars, trucks, and ATVs safe!