Securing Your Ride: Top Tips to Prevent Car Theft in Australia

What is more scary than finding your car damaged or hit wherever you parked it? It’s not finding your car at all! Car theft is quickly becoming a pressing issue globally. In Australia, thousands of vehicles are reported stolen yearly.

With such an alarming rise in vehicle theft, it has become even more important to protect yourself from becoming the next victim of car theft. As technology develops, crime is also evolving and adapting. To reduce your risk of vehicle theft, it is important to understand the most common methods of car theft and implement strong security measures.

Securing your car with different measures like anti-theft devices and advanced security features can go a long way in protecting your vehicle. Driving schools can also help educate drivers about vehicle security and road safety.

Vehicle safety education can help ensure road safety and peace of mind for all drivers. Let us look at some easy tips to secure your car from theft and the role of driving schools in promoting vehicle security.

ALARMING RISE OF CAR THEFT IN AUSTRALIA

Car theft has been on an alarming rise in Australia in the past few years. According to the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research, 15,000 vehicles were stolen last year in NSW alone. In NSW, a car is stolen every 35 minutes, with many suburbs becoming the hotspots for vehicle crime. The situation is worst in the NSW suburb of Liverpool where 292 cars were stolen, a mighty 38% increase from the previous year.

Dubbo had 224 cars stolen over the past year, making it the second-worst suburb hit by vehicle theft. Campbelltown also reported 181 thefts which is a 40% jump from the previous year. Suburbs like Albury and Tamworth are also among the top five suburbs hit hardest by vehicle theft. The biggest reason for such thefts is often the drivers’ careless attitude, lack of proper car security, and the high demand for used cars in the market. Protecting your vehicle from theft using the latest technologies and safety strategies is essential.

Tips to Prevent Car Theft

Here are some tips to safeguard your car from theft:

LOCK YOUR VEHICLE PROPERLY AND REMOVE THE KEYS

Believe it or not, the most common reason for car theft is open doors and windows! Whether in your home or the road, you must always lock your vehicle's doors and windows and remove the keys. Locking all your car doors and windows properly is a must even if you’re in a hurry. Being careless in this matter is like inviting thieves to take your vehicle away!

Install Car Alarms and Immobilisers

You must have heard the saying, ‘Attack is the best form of defence’. Car alarms can deter thieves from stealing your vehicle by making loud noises and flashing lights to alarm others in the vicinity. You can also use engine immobilisers that can prevent your car from being hot-wired.

USE ANTI-THEFT DEVICES (LIKE STEERING WHEEL LOCK AND GEAR LOCK, GPS TRACKING DEVICES)

If you’re trying to prevent theft, the most obvious thing to do is use things that help keep the thieves away. Anti-theft devices can prevent thieves (or at least make it very difficult) from stealing your vehicle. You can install good quality anti-theft devices like steering wheel locks, gear locks, tire clamps, etc. These devices act as physical barriers and prevent a thief from driving away in your car.

You can also consider installing GPS tracking devices so that you can track where your vehicle is, in case it gets taken. According to Crime Statistics Agency, 15,622 number plates were stolen in the year 2022-2023 in Victoria. Consider securing your number plates with anti-theft screws for more protection.

Choose Secure Parking Locations

Parking wisely can save you a lot of trouble in the future. When parking, try to choose a location that is well-lit and populated like parking lots, garages, etc. If possible, park in secure places like gated communities and guarded parking lots or spaces. And if you’re parking in public places, choose areas close to the gates or spaces that get high traffic or have security personnel around.

Role of Driving Schools in Promoting Vehicle Security

Schools can teach students the importance of safety and security measures for cars. Driving schools play a vital role in bringing awareness regarding vehicle theft and the importance of vehicle security to drivers. They teach the drivers the importance of vehicle safety, proper parking, and using anti-theft devices and safety measures. They also encourage the students to be prepared for the worst by taking car insurance and staying aware and alert about car theft. Their comprehensive approach to driver education can ensure a reduction in car thefts and an increase in road safety and security in the future.

Conclusion

The alarming rise in the number of car thefts in Australia is a big threat to our safety and security. The best way to prevent such thefts is to stay alert, smart, and proactive. The tips mentioned above can help you keep your vehicle safe and secure. By using the above-mentioned strategies, you can reduce the risk of becoming a victim of car theft significantly. You can also consider joining programs like the Safer Drivers course in a reputed driving school like Onroad Driving Education to become familiar with your vehicle and learn more about its maintenance and protection. A vehicle is a big investment and protecting it from theft is your responsibility. By becoming diligent and proactive and adopting the practices mentioned above, you can protect your investment and ensure peace of mind.

Source Link