Crime Prevention Unit
512 Springfield Ave Summit, NJ 07901
Not surprisingly, the costs from break-ins can be significant. Owners can place an insurance claim for vehicle damages (shattered glass or a broken lock) as well as the replacement of a factory audio system if it's been stolen, but only if comprehensive coverage is a part of the policy. Multiple claims for break-ins, in addition to the zip code where you park your car, can have a significant impact on your insurance policy.
Before you decide to move out of your zip code to attract a better insurance rate, keep these tips in mind. With these common sense habits and preventative measures, you can greatly reduce the chances your vehicle will become a target.
1. Lock Your Doors.
While this piece of advice should be a no-brainer, up to a quarter of vehicle thefts are from unlocked cars. Even if you're just running into the store for a Coke, that's too long to leave your vehicle's contents open for the taking. Simply locking the doors will deter those who might just be waiting around for an easy target.
2. Keep it Tidy.
Almost any worthless personal item that's visible from the outside--even an empty shopping bag--could be seen as a valuable or a carrier of valuables. If you have a wagon or SUV that leaves your cargo area on display, consider getting a cover. Most of these vehicles can be fitted with inexpensive retractable covers to help keep shopping bags or other belongings out of sight.
3. Conceal all the evidence.
Don't leave any bait out for thieves; stow your electronics and accessories well out of sight--or better yet, bring it with you. The evidence alone might be enough to pique the interest of thieves, so hide that too, including power plugs, telltale iPod adapters, or navigation-system windshield suction-cup mounts, and even put the cigarette lighter back in place.
4. Stash Before (Not After) You Park.
Get in the habit of putting shopping bags in the trunk right when you return to the vehicle, rather than after you park at the next place. Thieves sometimes linger in busy parking lots looking for valuables being moved out of sight. Don't display to them what you have.
5. Completely Close Windows and Sunroofs.
No, it's not just because thieves might reach in through the gap and open your locks with a coat hanger. Open windows will disable the pressure sensor in some car alarms, leaving the vehicle more vulnerable to break-in and potentially giving thieves more time before the alarm sounds.
6. Get an Alarm.
If you don't have an alarm system, get one. The noise alone may be enough to scare away an inexperienced thief and prevent the break-in. Factory-option alarm systems are generally best, but a carefully installed, properly calibrated aftermarket system can provide just as much safety. Beware many less-expensive new cars have remote entry but not a true alarm. In some instances you may be eligible for an auto insurance policy discount from the installation of your alarm as well.
7. Stick With Your Original Audio System.
Thefts of car audio components are on the decline, but having an aftermarket system still makes a car more attractive to thieves thinking of breaking in. There's no black market to speak of for factory stereos, and they've become much better sounding in recent years. Beyond that, an original audio system can often fall under your auto insurance policy during a theft claim, where a custom unit is more difficult to file in a claim (if at all).
8. Park for Visibility.
Park in a busy, well-lit area, and avoid concealment from larger vehicles, fences, or foliage. Except for the most brazen thieves, the greater the chances are that someone might see a crime in progress, the lower the chances are that the potential thief will attempt it.
9. Get physical.
A significant portion of vehicles are broken into with the intent of stealing the vehicle itself, so combining several visible simple, inexpensive physical theft deterrents like steering wheel locks (The Club), steering column collars, or brake pedal locks may discourage the would-be thief from breaking in and trying.
10. Layer your Defenses.
That's the strategy recommended by the NICB; layers include warning devices such as alarms, wheel etching, or decals; immobilizers; and even tracking systems (LoJack is one). None of them are foolproof, but if they're used in tandem they can really keep the chances down.
(Source AOL auto correspondent Bengt Halvorson)
The holiday season will not be joyful for many people because they were
robbed while shopping and did not discover the violation until they reached the cash register when they discover that their wallet
was missing.
Here are some safety tips to follow to lessen the chance of anything ruining your holiday shopping experience.
Thieves
rely on the trust that good people place in others. Some people go Christmas shopping and get very intrigued by items on the lower
shelf. A person might never think that an older woman would steal something from them when their eyes are diverted for just a moment,
but this type of theft occurs more often than people realize it does. Thieves can take on any type of personality and have any type
of body style.
Many shoppers are robbed while they are walking and will often leave the mall thinking that all is well. Thieves practice
their craft throughout the year and have become very good at performing slight of hand motions that could fool the best pit bosses
at casinos throughout the world. While Christmas shopping in large crowds, it is best to keep personal items in front of the body
and never let those items out of sight. Thieves only need a moment to perform a rip-off and then they can meld into the crowd or hand
off your wallet/purse to an accomplice and then off to find another person that will fall victim to their dishonest tactics.
While
Christmas shopping it is quite possible that there will be many charities collecting donations throughout busy shopping areas of the
city. While Christmas is a season for caring and sharing, there are some people who operate fictitious charities and the only person
that benefits from the money is the thief. City Governments will usually issue a license for this type of charity and it is always
a good idea to check the license to make sure it is authentic and current.
While retailers will place the security of all shopper's
high on their list of responsibilities, often they highest priority is their own security curtailing shoplifters.
If possible ladies
should ask a friend to hold on to their handbags while using restroom facilities or changing rooms, and the friend can do the same
when they come out. This also lessens the chance that the handbag is left in a stall where the contents will be susceptible to anyone
that enters after them.
When using a parking lot, it is always a good idea to lock valuables in the trunk and retrieve them later.
Don't leave presents or other valuables in sight in your car. Walk from and to your car directly, don't wander around, walk with a
purpose and be aware of what's going on around you. Carry your car keys in your hand they can be used to protect yourself in an emergency,
also you will be prepared to open your car when you get to it.
If you are paying cash, dont "fan out" a large amount of bills it might tempt someone to try to take it. Don't leave empty boxes from high priced items outside awaiting garbage day, theives will know what you have and may try to take it.
