Simple, smart steps help prevent car theft

After years of declines, car thefts and breaking appear to be surging in cities and suburbs all over the country. According to the Wake County Sheriff’s office there were 55 break-ins last month, up from 38 in December and 39 in November.

More than 870,000 cars were stolen in 2020, and numbers for 2021 car thefts likely won’t be any better.

But Consumer Reports says taking some small steps can make your car less of a target.

“Simply having a light that turns on automatically if anyone approaches your garage can really be effective in scaring away potential thieves,” said Jeff Bartlett, Consumer Reports auto editor.

If you park on the street, try to park under a street light so it’s well lit at night.

The simplest step is the most effective: Don’t create temptation for thieves. Remove the key and lock the doors.

“If you leave the keys or your key fob in the vehicle and it’s unlocked, it’s an open invitation,” Bartlett said.

You can also have a professional install an aftermarket alarm system, which often includes a visible blinking red light. Those big, clunky steering wheel locks are also effective. Police say they work because they make your car look harder to steal.

There is a financial bonus as well. Having an anti-theft device can save you up to 15% on car insurance.