Many Canadians are now finding themselves victims of a suspicious surge in car theft activity. According to MacLean's, a car is stolen every six minutes in Canada, while in Ontario, it's every 48 minutes according to CAA. They also report that incidents of car theft have almost doubled in 2022, and this trend continues into 2023. While the sudden rise is attributed to organized crime, we won't delve into that here. What's clear is that as the economy faces increasing challenges in the months ahead, it's unlikely that this trend will reverse anytime soon. Therefore, it's best to prepare to protect yourself.What can you do to keep yourself and your property safe, given the sudden increase in these activities? The first and most obvious step is to remember to lock your doors. Odds are, amateur or novice thieves will attempt to open the door first to avoid the trouble of breaking a window. Similarly, make sure not to leave your keys in your car and never leave your car running with the doors unlocked. Doing so, especially if your keys are in plain view, would essentially be assisting the thieves in their robbery. (With winter approaching, there might be a temptation to leave the car running while it heats up while you're back in the house finishing your morning coffee. Please refrain from doing so.)Steering wheel locks can also deter thieves. They prefer to work quickly, so anything that makes your car less appealing as a target is beneficial for you (though perhaps not for your neighbor). Choose a brightly colored one that's easy to spot.However, many car thieves are professionals who use sophisticated technology, making door locks almost obsolete. When your car is parked, be sure to keep your keys away from the front door where a relay can be used to intercept their signal. Ideally, use a Faraday Box to store your keys in your home, blocking the signal that thieves could use to unlock the door. These boxes are relatively inexpensive, and you can even make one yourself if you prefer that option.Portable Faraday Pouches are also available for you to carry and use when you're out, such as at the mall. There have been reported cases where signals were stolen from keys in parking lots or even within the mall itself.Another way to protect yourself is to park your car in your garage if you live in a single-family or semi-detached home. Just remember to lock that garage door as well. For all the thieves know, you don't have a car for them to steal if it's hidden away. However, when you're having your Smart Home system installed, please don't try to save a little money by leaving the garage off the alarm grid. Ensure full protection for yourself and your property.Parking garages of apartments, shopping centers, or other venues present a different challenge. The dark, quiet nature of parking garages, combined with the ample number of potential targets, increases the risk of becoming a victim. While many garages have cameras, they are generally easier to access than private homes. On the contrary, you're better protected in well-lit, busy areas – the opposite of a parking garage.Installing security cameras around your property can help deter thieves and aid in investigations. Doorbell cameras are a good idea in any case, in the event of house break-ins or other property thefts. Furthermore, consider investing in an anti-theft system for both your car and your house. Several devices can be added to your car, such as a GPS tracker, which aids in police reporting by allowing you to track your car's location. Additionally, various steering wheel and brake locking devices are available. Another example of an anti-theft device is a kill switch, which makes accessing your car so difficult that thieves are less likely to bother. This is just a brief list and description of potential anti-theft devices. Conduct more research and consult with your Smart Home expert to determine the best methods for your specific situation. The good news is that many newer cars come equipped with anti-theft systems, such as car alarms or brake and wheel locks. Even if your car doesn't, anti-theft systems can reduce insurance costs in Ontario, according to thinkinsure.com.If your car does get stolen, you'll need to report it to the police. Hopefully, your new anti-theft GPS will assist them in locating your vehicle. You should promptly provide the police with your car's details, so it's a good idea to keep a copy of all the necessary information at home. (Most of it will likely be in the car's glove box, which won't be of any help after a theft.) Surprisingly, this information includes the car's license plate number. You'd be surprised at how many people can't recall it, especially in stressful situations. Additionally, report the incident to your insurance company as soon as possible. With a car being broken into and stolen in Canada every 6 minutes, it's essential to prioritize your safety.Following the above tips will go a long way in reducing your risk of becoming a target for thieves. However, the unfortunate reality is that thefts are on the rise, and you could become a victim. Try to remove anything important from your car when you park it. While the police will do their best after a theft, there's no guarantee you'll recover your property. If something can't be replaced or would require great effort to do so, please avoid leaving it in the car. This includes passports or other IDs, valuable pictures, computers, and electronic files. Everyone has their own list of valuable items.Finally, one of the best ways to enhance your Smart Home alarm system is to have a dog. Dogs are sensitive to outside noises, and their presence alone can deter thieves. Beyond security, they provide companionship and love. They'll remind you that some things can be replaced, and your safety and that of your family are paramount. Allow your security systems to protect you, the police to handle thieves, and refrain from confronting potentially dangerous individuals; they are generally not nice people.

Protecting Your Home from the Car Theft Epidemic

Explore with RIFO how to protect your property from the car theft epidemic with practical tips in our latest article. Stay safe and secure.

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