Auto theft remains a growing issue across Ontario, with a vehicle stolen every 14 minutes on average. That would be equivalent to more than 37,500 stolen vehicles per year.
Thieves often target vehicles parked in driveways, making homeowners particularly vulnerable. To help safeguard your vehicle, here are 15 practical tips to help prevent car theft at home ...
1. Lock your doors and use your garage
The first thing every homeowner needs to do to prevent car theft is lock their car doors. It may seem like an obvious one but you'd be surprised by the number of cars left in driveways with the doors unlocked.
Similarly, many homeowners use their garages for storage. If you have a garage, make use of it by parking your vehicle inside. To make more room for your vehicles, do a quick declutter, see if you can find new places for items or invest in a shed.
2. Park the less expensive car closest to the street
If you have multiple vehicles, park the less expensive one closest to the street. Thieves are more likely to target the more accessible vehicle, so positioning the less valuable car in front creates an extra hurdle.
3. Cover your VIN
Thieves can sometimes use your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to create fake keys or identify your car for resale. Covering your VIN, which is usually visible on the dashboard, makes it harder for criminals to gain access to this information.
4. Don’t leave your car running in the driveway
Many people still leave their cars running to "warm them up" before driving, especially in colder months. However, modern cars with fuel injection don’t need more than 30 seconds of idling before they’re ready to go.
Leaving your car running unattended is an open invitation for theft. It’s better for your engine—and the environment—to start it up just before you head out.
5. Keep valuables out of sight
Never leave valuable items, such as electronics, shopping bags, or gifts, visible in your car. This is especially important during the holiday season when cars are often targeted for the items inside.
Even small things like loose change or sunglasses can attract thieves, so be sure to clear out your vehicle when parking overnight.
6. Use a car cover
Using a car cover may seem simple, but it can be an effective deterrent for theft. A covered vehicle not only hides the make and model but also adds a step for the thief, who would need to remove the cover before attempting the theft.
This extra step can deter opportunistic criminals.
7. Install motion sensors and security cameras
Installing motion-activated lights and cameras around your driveway is a great way to discourage theft. Thieves tend to avoid well-lit areas where they could be caught on camera.
Many energy-efficient lighting options are available, and professional services can assist with installing these systems for you.
8. Use a faraday box or pouch for key fobs
A Faraday box or pouch is a simple, affordable tool that blocks signals from your key fob, preventing thieves from using relay attacks to steal your car.
These devices stop thieves from capturing your car’s signal while the keys are inside your home. Make sure the Faraday box is properly closed for full protection.
9. Use anti-theft devices
Visible deterrents like steering wheel locks, brake pedal locks, or wheel and tire lock devices such as "The Club" can help make your car less appealing to thieves. These tools add an extra layer of security, making it more difficult for someone to quickly steal your vehicle.
10. Install an after-market immobilizer
For even more security, consider installing an after-market immobilizer. These systems prevent the engine or ignition from starting without the correct key or code.
Immobilizers make it much harder for thieves to hotwire your car, increasing the likelihood that they’ll leave it alone.
11. Store a tracking device in your vehicle
In the unfortunate event your car is stolen, having a tracking device inside it, like an AirTag or GPS tracker, can help law enforcement locate and recover it.
While prevention is the first line of defense, tracking devices can significantly improve the chances of getting your car back.
12. Use a smart garage door opener
A smart garage door opener can help prevent break-ins by allowing you to control your garage door from anywhere using an app. You can even set alerts to notify you when the door is opened or closed, ensuring that your garage is always secure.
Some systems also offer automatic closing if you forget to shut the door.
13. Add a secondary lock to your garage door
Even with a smart garage opener, adding a secondary lock to your garage door can add another layer of protection. This manual lock prevents the door from being opened, even if thieves manage to bypass your opener’s security features.
14. Consider a driveway security gate or bollards
If your property allows for it, installing a security gate or retractable bollards across your driveway can provide a formidable barrier between your car and potential thieves.
These gates can be manual or automatic, offering another layer of defense that makes it difficult for thieves to access your vehicle.
15. Join a neighborhood watch program
Sometimes the best defense is a community effort. Joining or starting a neighborhood watch program can help keep everyone in your area more vigilant.
When residents look out for each other, the risk of theft decreases, as suspicious activity is more likely to be noticed and reported.
By following these tips, you can prevent car theft and better protect your vehicle and property. Stay vigilant, invest in security measures, and keep your car (and peace of mind) secure.
RELATED: Federal government announced $15 million to combat car thefts across Canada ...
