With this in mind, police officers have prepared a series of tips for vehicle users that will make committing vehicle theft or breaking into a vehicle much more difficult or even impossible.
This can help us avoid unpleasant surprises. For example, imagine that you find a used Ford Focus at an attractive price, and the seller assures you that it has low mileage and has never been involved in an accident. However, by using a Ford VIN decoder, you may discover that the car was involved in a serious collision and that its odometer was rolled back. This shows why checking a vehicle’s history is just as important as checking its technical condition. Even if a car appears problem-free, hidden defects may emerge later, leading to unexpected costs and potential safety risks.
The freedom of movement provided by owning a car is an important aspect of everyday life for many people. We often buy means of transport at the cost of many sacrifices and hardships, which is why their damage or loss can be very distressing. With this in mind, Lower Silesian police officers regularly conduct various activities aimed at preventing this type of crime and remind drivers of the basic safety rules.
Let us remember that:
- the car should have an alarm system installed that will, among other things, protect the passenger compartment against break-ins. Various types of mechanical locks are a good supplement, as is having an ignition cut-off switch hidden in a place known only to the owner;
- if it is not possible to leave the car in a guarded car park, choose parking spaces that are clearly visible to others and well frequented. At night, choose places that are well lit and close to the windows of residential buildings;
- an important measure that makes it harder to profit from car theft is having its key components marked by a specialist company, as well as avoiding the purchase of parts from suspicious sources.
Even when parking the car for only a short time, you should:
- check that all windows are closed and the trunk lid is locked,
- turn on the alarm and any other security devices,
- leave luggage, such as bags, backpacks, briefcases and other items, in compartments or the trunk, as leaving them in view may tempt thieves (this also applies to shopping left in the car outside shops). These items should not be placed in the trunk only after arriving at the parking spot,
- if the car has a radio with a detachable faceplate, take the faceplate with you rather than hiding it in the glove compartment or under the seat,
- when leaving the car, put the keys in an inside pocket of your clothing, and at home keep them in a safe place, away from the entrance door. Never leave the vehicle documents inside the car,
- when parking on your property or in a garage, do not open the gate and leave the car with the keys in the ignition.
When travelling by car, above all, you should not:
- pick up hitchhikers in suspicious places or people met by chance during a stop;
- stop in unlit, wooded or deserted places;
- leave the car unattended, especially when luggage is visible.
Let us remember that our safety largely depends on us, including how careful and prudent we are. If an incident does occur, remember to notify the relevant services immediately so that officers can take swift and effective action.