As the holiday season approaches and airport officials are planning for their busiest week ever, so does the importance of safeguarding vehicles that will occupy airports long-term parking spots.
The tips to keep cars safe have taken on more relevance in North Texas with recent news of the arrest of an organized crime ring that was linked to vehicle thefts of $5 million from DFW International Airport.
Here are some tips to keep your car safe, according to local officials.
Remove and conceal all valuables
The most straight forward and effective step travelers can take is to remove valuables from inside their vehicle, said officials in an email to The Dallas Morning News.
“Hide anything of value that you must leave inside,” airport officials said, adding that iItems like electronics, wallets and other high-value possessions should never be left visible to anyone outside the vehicle.
For items that must remain in the car, store them in glove compartments, trunks or under seats to reduce temptation for would-be thieves.
Lock the vehicle and activate security systems
Ensuring that your vehicle is locked is a basic yet crucial move for theft prevention.
If your vehicle is equipped with alarm system, double-check that it’s activated before leaving the area.
The alarm system can discourage potential break-ins and alert those nearby to any unauthorized access attempts.
Enhance security with extra devices
“Police also often recommend using extra devices or technology, such as a steering wheel lock,” officials said.
A steering wheel lock acts as a visible deterrent, indicating to thieves that the vehicle is more of a challenge to steal.
Enabling GPS tracking services can assist in locating you rvehicle if it’s ever moved without your consent.
Additionally, installing motion-activated dash cameras provides surveillance that can capture evidence in the even of a break-in.
Using technology as an ally
“Installing motion-activated dash cameras, which can add an additional layer of security and theft deterrence to your vehicle.” officials said.
Advanced security systems that integrate with smartphones can alert you to disturbances and even provide real-time video feeds when motion is detected around your vehicle.