Theft of motor vehicles has come down in recent years but unfortunately this has been countered by an increase in theft from motor vehicles.
Loose change, laptop computers and portable navigation devices are easy targets, but in some cases thieves will smash a window or break into a car even if they can’t easily see anything of value to steal.
In recent years there has also been a disturbing increase in the instances of motorists having their handbags, laptop computers or briefcases stolen from their car (often from the front seat) while stopped in traffic.
The scam is bold to say the least: the thief simply opens the door and runs off with your belongings before you’ve realised what’s occurred or even had time to unclip your seatbelt.
In these instances the crooks count on the fact that the driver is unlikely to give chase and/or leave their vehicle. For the record, we recommend you do not give chase. Ring police immediately and try to give an accurate description of the thief.
It should be said that this type of theft from motor vehicles is not as common as stealing from unattended cars, but it is worth being aware of.
Thankfully there are a number of measures that drivers can take to reduce the chance of being a victim of these types of crimes.
When parking your car and leaving it unattended, police recommend you don’t leave anything of value inside the car.
Unfortunately, putting a laptop computer in the boot is not a guarantee it will not be stolen. The cargo areas of hatchbacks and wagons can easily be accessed via their fold-down back seats. A cargo blind covering a wagon’s load area is usually an invitation for a thief to break in because he or she thinks the owner has something valuable to hide.
The boots of sedans are slightly more secure but in many cases they too can be accessed from inside the cabin either through a ski port or fold-down seats. There is often a boot release button or lever inside sedans as well.
Where possible, it’s best not to leave any valuables in the car. If it’s a laptop or portable navigation device, take it with you.
As for being targeted while stopped in traffic, simply locking the doors and having your windows up (or open only slightly so a hand can’t fit through the gap) is a good start to prevention. Better still, put your laptop, handbag or briefcase in the boot so it is out of view and so that thieves may not be tempted to try your door handle in the first place.
As we said earlier, some thieves will break into a car even if they can’t easily see something worth stealing; they may want to try the boot or rummage through the console or glovebox for loose change or navigation devices that have been plucked from the windscreen.
So to try to reduce the chance of your car being targeted while unattended, consider leaving the glovebox, console and any other cubbies open, so the thief can see they’re empty. Also try to make sure the car interior is free of clutter. If you have some clothes in a bundle on a back seat, a crook may think you’re trying to hide something valuable under them.
Where possible, park in areas with plenty of pedestrian traffic to make it difficult for a thief to tamper with your car. At night try to only park in well lit areas. Be mindful of who’s around you when returning to your car and when you get in, lock your doors immediately, then start the car and leave without delay.
All of the above may sound extreme, but it’s designed to minimise the risk of having your car broken into – and the heartache that follows.
Rhonda Prentice is part of the NRMA Insurance team. NRMA Insurance offer
car insurance and
home insurance, motorcycle insurance, business insurance, health insurance, travel insurance, boat insurance and caravan insurance in NSW, ACT & TAS.
