In recent years, the crime of stealing valuables in cars has become a significant problem not only in the city of Kampala Uganda , but in all major cities of the world .
Today, breaking into a car takes seconds.Thief mainly target bags, car radios, DVD players, speakers, portable electronic Gadgets like laptops and cameras among other items.Risky places and situations include shopping malls especially basement parking lots, social gatherings, parking lots of residential areas like estates, washing bays, traffic jam, poorly lit up areas, areas with many potholes, driveways ,and busy market areas with high traffic density.
Cycle of breaking into a car
1. Target placement. Car owner leaves valuables in the car.
2. Thief window shops. Thief sees valuables or suspects a car has valuables.
3 .Temptation. Thief is tempted, evaluates the situation and makes up his mind to steal or not.
4 . Actual break in. A thief finds means to enter the car to steal.
How cars are broken in
Easiest way is using a master key. There are a number of other sophisticated ways through which a thief can find his way into your car besides using a master key. Recently a friend of mine had her car broken into in one of shopping mall’s parking lot in Kampala. Suspected criminals simply plucked out and dismantled the entire lock system on driver’s door to gain access to the car .They took a laptop. But how did the thief know the car had a laptop?
She adds on, the wallet with money was left alone on back seat. The whole process took mere seven minutes. The lock system was properly fixed by the thief. Car owners should not think that by hiding valuables under the seats is enough? The advanced technology helps them sensor lithium batteries. These batteries are used in laptops, cell phone and cameras.
Some people have lost their valuables in traffic jam and traffic lights junctions especially when their windows are down. In such situations chasing thieves is next to impossible as it can cause an accident. Other thieves con car owners into to offering them lifts. Along the way they turn against them.
Some thieves apply shock and violence therapy to car owners in order to steal their valuables. They do this by smashing windscreen at once and in shock driver stops only to realise a group of thieves have surrounded the vehicle.
Precautions
Car owners should develop a mindset that a car can never be safe anywhere. As one would not leave his television set outside on balcony or sidewalk when leaving home for work.Most important step is target removal. Thieves will target the car because of valuables. Remove valuables that can attract thieves to your car. This breaks the theft cycle by avoiding first step of target placement.
Always leave someone in car to watch over the valuables or Park in open areas with many people and in well-lighted areas where your car can be seen. The poorly-lit isolated areas are insecure. If parking in unfamiliar neighbourhoods, or shopping areas, take a minute to check that all valuables are out of sight, or removed, before your arrival. Do not leave big envelopes on car seats. Simply remove all books and spread them. Big parcels may tempt thieves.
Car owners who cannot avoid moving with valuables in their cars should consider on taking up an insurance policy.
Installing car alarm systems can be effective in detecting and scaring away thieves. Tinting your car could safe guard valuables in the car. Thieves cannot see what is inside clearly.
Replace part of the original outside car lock system with a new one recommended by your mechanic to check on duplication and car thefts. Car owners should avoid giving car keys to strangers.When in public parking lots, kindly ask security personnel to watch over your car. If you can promise him a tip when you come back.
Before buying car gadgets like FM/CD/DVD radios, insist on those that are detachable. Car stereo radios, T.Vs and CD players are valuable and are targets for thieves. These can be easily detached into small portable parts and carried out of the car. Most of the car thefts can be avoided; it only takes resources and time to safeguard your valuables in that car. Remember the thief’s most valuable asset is time.
Ivan Baliboola
