How to protect your car when parked outdoors 

Throughout Southwestern Ontario, it’s common for car owners to park their cars outdoors. This could be either on driveways when at home, in parking lots or on the street when they’re at work or shopping. In 2019, over 24,000 cars in Ontario were broken into. Your car is one of your most valuable possessions and a necessity in your day-to-day life, so regardless of where you are parked, it’s important to do what you can to protect your car and belongings. Here are some tips on how to protect your car when parked outdoors. 

The first and most obvious tip is to make sure your car is locked when parked. Seems simple, right? It’s surprising how often car owners forget to lock their doors. This is essential, as the first thing a car burglar does is a test to see if the car doors have been left unlocked. Locking your car doors dramatically lowers the chances of your car being broken into. In addition, many models automatically activate anti-theft systems when the car doors are locked.  So always do this basic first step. 

If you are parking outdoors at night, make sure there is adequate lighting.  Effective lighting is a great deterrent to would-be burglars. Outside your home, lights can be motion triggered or remain on throughout the night. Cars that are parked in areas that are dimly lit or unlit have a significantly higher chance of being broken into than those parked on well-lit driveways. 

For even more protection, place an outdoor video camera pointed toward your parking spot. If the area is properly lit, then the video camera not only will record whatever activity occurs, it also acts as a great burglar deterrent when coupled with lawn signs and window decals.  A potential burglar will most likely move to another car/home where there’s less chance of being detected and apprehended. 

When you park your car, make sure to take all valuables with you. Too often people leave appealing items in plain sight inside their vehicle. Articles like laptop computers, cash, sunglasses, and wallets are very inviting to burglars. Make sure that there is nothing visible in your car when you park, and if you must leave things inside your vehicle, hide them under the seat, or in the trunk and out of sight.