In a perfect world, we wouldn’t need to worry about our cars being the target for various acts of vandalism and theft. Unfortunately, both remain a prevalent issue in many communities, leaving car owners to seek ways to safeguard their vehicles. Just in the U.S, about a million vehicles are stolen every year.

It’s almost impossible to completely eliminate the risk, but luckily there are some proactive measures that can be taken to significantly reduce the likelihood of falling victim to such crimes. 

In this article we will go over a few of them in hopes of helping you avoid the headache of unnecessary repairs in case your car gets vandalized or catching the culprit in case of theft.

Where you park is important

Parking your vehicle strategically is basically your first line of defense against both vandalism and theft. If possible, always opt for well-lit areas with high foot traffic, such as busy parking lots or streets under bright streetlights. 

Avoiding secluded areas such as dark, back alleys and choosing locations where your vehicle is visible (with more potential witnesses) makes it a lot less appealing to potential thieves or vandals.

Utilize a variety of anti-theft devices

This is yet another simple, yet effective way to protect your vehicle. Use a mix of different anti-theft devices, such as steering wheel locks, wheel clamps, and car alarms, which can all serve as formidable deterrents against theft and/or vandalism on their own, but together can be even more powerful. They not only make it harder for someone to tamper with your vehicle but also alert you and others nearby of any unauthorized attempts to access it.

Display deterrent stickers

Even if you don’t have a security system installed, simply adding a bright, well-visible sticker stating that the vehicle is monitored can be enough to deter a vandal or a thief. By indicating the presence of security cameras or alarms, you create the perception of heightened security, making your vehicle less attractive to potential criminals seeking easy targets.

Invest in a quality dash cam with Parking Mode

Another important (if not the most effective) method is to invest in a quality dash cam with Parking Mode. All BlackVue dash cams allow you to record even when the engine is off and the car is parked. In Parking Mode, a BlackVue dash cam is active all the time but does not save files onto the memory card, unless some movement is detected by the front or rear camera or an impact or vibration is picked up by the dash cam’s accelerometer (sensitivity can be adjusted). Because the dash cam only records when something happens, BlackVue minimizes the risks of overwriting important footage during long Parking Mode sessions. It also reduces the stress on the microSD card, which helps extend the memory card’s lifespan. More recent models also have a time lapse Parking Mode option combining time lapse and buffered impact event videos.

And if that’s not enough, many BlackVue dash cams are Cloud-compatible – meaning that you can monitor your vehicle in real time and get Push Notifications if anything happens.

Some drivers may worry that the presence of an expensive dash cam inside their vehicle may actually entice potential thieves. This is why BlackVue dash cams have such sleek and discreet design – to be unnoticeable from the outside. And as a last resort, Live Event Upload can help get crucial evidence saved in the Cloud before the dash cam is disconnected. 

Report any suspicious activity

Reporting suspicious activity to the authorities can make a significant difference in preventing vandalism or theft. If you notice any individuals acting suspiciously around your vehicle or in the general parking area, don’t hesitate to report it. By working together with the community and law enforcement, you contribute to creating a safer environment – not only for your vehicle, but for everyone.

Overall, protecting your vehicle from vandalism requires a combination of proactive measures and vigilance. By parking strategically, utilizing anti-theft devices, displaying deterrent stickers, investing in a quality dash cam such as BlackVue and reporting suspicious activity, you can significantly reduce the risk of theft and protect your vehicle against potential damage.