Tips to keep your car safe in South Africa

You hear of cars being stolen day in and day out in South Africa, and every year it gets worse. Thieves work from stealing car keys from your home to duplicating VINs and hotwiring. ‘Prevention is better than cure’, they say, and so there are tips you can follow to keep your car safe from criminals.¹

Think twice about where to park¹

Park in a well-lit public area for everyone to see. Avoid parking your car in an isolated spot, far away from shopper traffic. If you have one, park in a garage at home and away from any peeping eyes from the street. Your parking area should protect the car from any damage such as falling branches if there is no garage. Activated electric fencing connected to armed response is a great deterrent.

Use a steering wheel lock¹

The more difficult you make it for a criminal to steal your car, the more unappealing it becomes. A steering wheel lock is difficult to destroy, so a thief would more likely move to another car that hasn’t got one. They can also see the lock is in place on the steering wheel, and that may save you unnecessary damage such as a smashed window.

Hide your valuables¹

Never leave anything valuable, such as a handbag on any passenger seats. At traffic lights, anyone walking past can notice it and smash a window. Don’t leave your charger plugged into a USB in the dashboard, as this may be a clue for a criminal to search further for other electronic devices. It’s best to lock all your valuables in the boot out of sight.

Jamming the remote signal sent from your key¹

Signal jamming is increasing, and some mall parking areas have alarm systems that protect clients from signal jamming. After you’ve locked the car with the remote, always check the locked doors.

Where are your car keys?¹

At home, never leave your keys where they could be easily spotted and stolen. It’s best for you to choose a safe, hidden spot and make it a habit to leave them there. An extra danger is that the remote for an electrically operated gate is invariably attached to the ignition key. So, if someone has your key, they can also drive your car out of the premises. Never leave your key in the ignition while quickly dashing into the shop. You may argue it’ll only take a few minutes. But that is all a thief requires. Always keep your car keys on your body, such as hooked onto your belt, and don’t leave them loose in your jacket pocket. Lock away your keys with your valuables in a locker at the gym.

Disclaimer

Because of the complexity of car insurance, this article can only provide you with information. You should also consult a certified financial advisor for professional advice before purchasing a car insurance product.

Sources:

1. 1. SA car theft: Here’s how to prevent your car from being stolen