This is not the latest technique of the professional showmen called wrestlers. It is a vicious assault on your parked automobile and the theft of anything of value. It is impossible to stop a determined person from breaking into your automobile. The objective is to make someone else’s automobile more attractive to the thief.
A few simple actions on your part will help to convince the potential thief that better opportunities exist elsewhere.
Park in well lit, highly visible, well-populated areas. It is better to pay a small parking fee than take chances with a free parking space in an isolated area.
Take time to wait for a spot near the entrance to the mall. Parking in the rear of a large parking lot so you can quickly participate in a big sales event may be more costly than the extra money you would pay if you missed the sale.
Turn the wheels to the curb and set the emergency brake. This will hinder the removal of your vehicle with a tow truck. The extra time required may provide an opportunity to notify police of the attempted theft.
Don’t be a hero. If you see someone trying to break into your car, DO NOT attempt to stop them. Call the police immediately.
Keep an eye on your keys. Do not give a mechanic, car wash attendant, or parking lot attendant any key other than the ignition key. Do not place any identification on the key which would allow the thief to locate your car at a later time.
Keep your car registration in your wallet, not in the glove compartment. Having the registration makes it easier for the thief to sell the car and harder for you to recover it.
Put your valuables out of sight before you park. You never know who is watching you park your automobile.