The holiday season brings joy, family gatherings, and unfortunately, a massive spike in vehicle break-ins. Police departments across the country refer to December as “smash-and-grab season” for a reason. While we rush around trying to check off our gift lists, thieves actively scan parking lots for easy targets.
Often, we make it too easy for them without realizing it. We think “hiding” something under a seat is enough, but seasoned criminals know exactly where to look. Consequently, a moment of convenience can turn into a nightmare of broken glass and stolen presents. To ensure your holiday stays merry, here are the 10 items police warn you to remove from your car immediately.
Visible Shopping Bags
Leaving shopping bags in plain view is essentially an invitation to thieves. Even if the bag only contains wrapping paper or something inexpensive, a thief won’t know that until they break your window. Therefore, you must keep all bags in the trunk. If you drive an SUV, cover them completely with a cargo blanket before you leave the parking lot.
Electronics (Laptops and Tablets)
We often leave our work bags in the car while running into the grocery store. However, lithium-ion batteries react poorly to freezing holiday temperatures, which can damage the device permanently. Furthermore, laptops are high-value items that thieves can flip for cash instantly. Take them with you, every single time.
Wrapped Gifts
A pile of wrapped gifts in the backseat looks festive to you, but it looks like a jackpot to a criminal. It is a mystery box that implies value. Unfortunately, thieves will smash a window just to see what is inside. If you cannot fit them in the trunk, go home and drop them off before continuing your shopping spree.
Purses and Wallets
Many women slide their purse under the driver’s seat when they go to the gym or the park. In reality, that is the first place a thief looks. Even if they don’t get your credit cards, replacing your driver’s license and insurance cards is a bureaucratic nightmare. Carry your valuables on your body, or leave them at home.
Loose Change and Cash
You might think a thief wouldn’t risk jail time for three dollars in quarters. Sadly, you would be wrong. For someone desperate, visible change in a cup holder is enough motivation to shatter a window. Consequently, that handful of coins could cost you hundreds of dollars in glass repair.
Garage Door Openers
If a thief breaks into your car and finds your registration (which has your address) and your garage door opener, they have a key to your house. Moreover, they know you aren’t home because your car is in a shopping center parking lot. Always clip the opener to your purse or put it in the glovebox, out of sight.
Firearms
Tragically, cars are the number one source of stolen guns in America. Responsible gun ownership means securing your weapon properly. A glove box is not a safe. If you must leave a firearm in the vehicle, lock it in a steel lockbox secured to the frame of the car.
Medications
Prescription drugs have a high street value. If a thief sees a pharmacy bag or a pill bottle, they will take it. Furthermore, extreme cold or heat can alter the chemical composition of the medication, rendering it ineffective or dangerous.
Important Documents
Never leave your vehicle title or social security card in the glove box. With these documents, a thief can steal your identity or even transfer the ownership of the car to themselves. Keep your registration and insurance but file everything else in a fireproof safe at home.
Spare Keys or Fobs
Many modern cars come with a “valet key” or a spare fob. Leaving this inside the vehicle makes it incredibly easy for a thief to just drive your car away. In fact, sophisticated thieves can sometimes detect the signal of a fob left inside. Ensure all keys are on your person before walking away.
A Clean Car is a Safe Car
Ultimately, the best deterrent is a completely empty car. If a thief looks inside and sees nothing but upholstery, they will likely move on to the next vehicle. Let’s keep the Grinch away this year by taking a few extra seconds to clear out the clutter.
Do you have a strict rule about what stays in your car? Share your safety tips in the comments!
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The post Police Warn: 10 Items You Should Never Leave In Your Vehicle During The Christmas Holidays appeared first on Budget and the Bees.
