Don’t Let Auto Burglary Ruin Christmas

Remember to park in highly visible areas. (western-centers.com)

The holidays can seem like a blur by the time they end. The hustle and bustle and the sheer number of holiday parties, shopping for gifts, preparing for feasts and family gatherings — it’s just an enormously busy time of the year for many of us.

Because there’s more than enough stress to go around, it’d certainly be disheartening to have your car burglarized while you’re out doing your last-minute Christmas shopping.

So let’s take a closer look at automotive burglary.

What is Auto Burglary?

Burglary in terms of automobiles is simply the act of someone breaking into a car and taking valuables from it. It isn’t in the same league as auto theft in terms of monetary value, but millions of cars are burglarized every year in the United States, with thousands such events occurring every day. Vehicle burglary can happen to you at any time and in almost any location.

Theft of items that are a part of your car will normally be covered – items such as a car stereo system, wheels and tires and the like would be covered. But in most cases, theft of personal property is not covered by your car insurance policy, although it is quite possible that such coverage is provided to you through either a homeowners or renters insurance policy.

Here are a couple of examples of items that wouldn’t be covered by your auto insurance if your car was burglarized: a laptop computer used for work; a cell phone; a digital camera; a GPS unit you’ve added to your car. Just having an item in your car doesn’t make it a part of the car, and thus, you’ll likely be out for those things, unless they’re covered by another policy.

A Crime of Opportunity

Car burglary is a crime of opportunity in most cases. A thief will look for open windows or unlocked doors, and in some cases, be tempted by a valuable item left in plain sight and simply break a window to enter the interior of a car. Skilled criminals can break in, grab an item and be gone in a matter of just a few seconds.

Many of these types will work in teams. One person acts as a “lookout” to check for law enforcement or pedestrians, while another breaks into cars and steals valuables. They’re operating with a plan, and they’re especial interested in valuables such as: briefcases, back packs, cash, purses, radios, GPS devices, iPods, laptop computers and wallets.

And bags collected during Christmas shopping can also provide a temptation for thieves. Thus, make sure you stow any shopping bags in the trunk so they’re not visible to others.

Tips on keeping your automobile secure:

• You should always be aware of the environment around you. Make an effort to always park in well-lit, secure and highly-visible areas.
• Always lock your doors and close windows completely.
• Never leave any valuables in your car that are visible to others. Items that are visible in plain sight are an open invitation to thieves.
• Consider adding anti-theft or alarm systems to your car.
• Take all valuables, including shopping bags with you, or place them in the trunk.

If Your Car is Burglarized:

•  Yes, you will probably be very upset, but remember to stay calm.
• Call 911 and report the crime to law enforcement immediately, and ask to have an officer come and make a report.
• While you wait for the police to arrive, remember not to touch your car or any of the contents inside. Preserving the crime scene may assist in helping the police find those responsible for the burglary.
• Don’t forget to remain aware of your surroundings. The responsible parties may still be in the area, which could prove hazardous. If you’re parked in an area that doesn’t feel safe, go to somewhere more visible as you wait for the police.
• Call or contact your car insurance company as soon as possible to report the incident and discuss coverage options.

Share this post