- Keep spare keys away from the car; use coded boxes or a trusted person.
- Always close windows fully; repair cracks to reduce break-in risk.
- Keep the vehicle locked at all times, use automatic locking if available.
- Choose parking wisely: well-lit, visible, monitored areas; avoid isolated or unmonitored spots.
Owning a vehicle brings numerous advantages, but also important responsibilities regarding security. Car theft is a real problem in Romania, and statistics show that any car can become a target for thieves, regardless of its value or age. Whether we are talking about organized groups targeting high-performance models for dismantling, or individuals who take advantage of drivers’ inattention to steal items from inside or easily removable components.
To avoid becoming a victim of such unpleasant situations, it’s essential to implement effective preventive measures. The following five strategies will help you protect your investment and significantly reduce the risk of theft.
1. Keep your car keys safe
One of the most common mistakes drivers make is leaving the spare keys in ‘safe’ places on the car. Many owners hide a spare key under the wheel, in the engine compartment, or in other areas of the vehicle, for fear of getting locked out.
The problem is that thieves know these common practices. Instead of exposing yourself to this risk, consider the following alternatives:
- Keep the spare key at home or at the office
- Use a coded key box fixed in a safe location
- Invest in a keyless start system
- Leave a key with a trusted nearby person
2. Always close the windows fully
Leaving windows open, even partially, invites thieves. In summer, many drivers leave windows cracked to air the cabin, but this can facilitate unauthorized access.
Risks of open windows include:
- Rapid access to the central locking system
- The possibility of inserting a bar to operate the handles
- Theft of visible interior items
- Vandalism of the vehicle interior
If you notice cracks or faults in the windows, repair them as soon as possible. A damaged window can be broken more easily and creates a weak point in the vehicle’s security.
3. Keep the vehicle locked at all times
This rule applies both when the car is parked and while driving. Many modern [central locking] systems offer the automatic door-locking function at startup.
Advantages of permanent locking:
- Preventing surprise theft at a traffic light
- Protection against car-jacking
- Securing interior objects
- Activation of alarm systems
In case of aggression, the priority is personal safety. If you are threatened, it’s better to yield material goods than to risk your life. Cars can be replaced; life cannot.
4. Choose your parking location carefully
Although no spot offers 100% safety, certain areas significantly reduce theft risk. Criteria for a safe parking include:
Features of a safe parking:
- Strong lighting at night
- Good visibility from nearby buildings
- Decent pedestrian traffic
- Presence of surveillance cameras
- Proximity to your final destination
Zones to avoid:
- Dark or isolated streets
- Unmonitored underground parking
- Areas with high crime rates
- Places where the car cannot be seen periodically
If you go to a restaurant or shopping center, try to park in a spot where you can see the vehicle through the windows.
5. Invest in modern security systems
Current technology offers multiple options for protecting vehicles, from traditional alarms to advanced GPS tracking solutions.
Types of security systems:
Traditional car alarms
- Impact sensor detection
- Loud siren alarm
- Engine block optional
- Affordable price
GPS tracking systems
- Real-time localization
- Smartphone notifications
- Trip history
- Facilitated recovery in case of theft
Modern integrated systems
- Mobile app connectivity
- Instant alerts
- Remote control
- Integration with existing car systems
Benefits of a tracking system are evident in case of theft: police can quickly locate the vehicle, increasing the chances of recovery and identification of the perpetrators.
Additional protection measures
In addition to the five main methods, there are a few precautions that can make a difference:
- Do not leave valuable objects visible inside (laptops, phones, bags)
- Use anti-theft devices (steering wheel lock, pedals)
- Park in a garage whenever possible
- Periodically check that all security systems are functioning
- Learn about the types of theft specific to your area
Implementing these preventive measures does not guarantee that the vehicle will never be the target of thieves, but it significantly reduces the probability and facilitates recovery in case of theft. Investing in security is always justified when it comes to protecting a valuable asset like a car.
