Our homes may still be our locks, but Americans are spending more time in their cars than ever before — nearly 11 hours a week, at the latest Ketchum study. While rising crime has prompted many to forgo public transportation, drivers in major cities are finding their cars less safe than ever. Last year, for example, car break-ins up about 40% in San Franciscoand half of all reported crimes in Atlanta are now car related.
Scott Bonvissuto, President of the Vehicle Safe Manufacturer console vault, has been investigating car thefts, mostly burglaries, for years, in which criminals wait until a car owner has exited their vehicle to steal valuables and other belongings, often breaking a window to gain entry. Bonvissuto says there are several rules of thumb for keeping valuables and firearms safe, even in unsafe locations.
“Most of us already know that you should always park in a well-lit area close to other vehicles and use an attendant garage whenever possible,” says Bonvissuto. “But certain stickers and bumper stickers can be targets for criminals specifically looking for guns and firearms, like the National Rifle Association logo. Be careful what personal information you make visible on your vehicle so you don’t make a business card for thieves.”
Bonvissuto also recommends keeping valuables out of sight and, if possible, in a discreet, locked place, e.g. B. in a vault in the console. There are many instances where on-street parking is unavoidable, and thieves are increasingly encouraged in many areas where authorities may not prosecute petty theft as a crime. At the same time, thieves are also becoming more sophisticated in their tactics.
“We still tend to think of many of our possessions as ‘out of sight, out of mind,’ but our valuables are increasingly becoming electronic in nature, which means they’re sending out signals all the time,” Bonvissuto notes. “The bad guys noticed. She…
