Whether your car is spotless or cluttered with fast food wrappers and soda cans under the seat (don’t worry, we’re not judging), there are certain items you should never leave in your vehicle. Those fast food wrappers might not lure in thieves and burglars, but a glimmering piece of jewelry or an iPhone left out in the open, or even a laptop or phone on the seat, could easily attract them.
Before we go over the top five items you should never leave in your car, it’s crucial to understand what draws burglars in the first place. Most burglars in the United States are opportunistic, meaning they’re usually not ready to commit a crime and instead seek the easiest way to do so. An unlocked door or a key still in the ignition is like a welcome mat for them. A laptop or phone left on the seat? A broken window could be over a hundred dollars on the black market in less than a minute.
Below are five valuables you should never leave in your car and why:
This is perhaps the clearest and most critical point. We’re not talking about disrespect by referring to animals and kids as ‘things,’ but you should never leave them unattended in your car, not even for a second.
If your child is trapped inside your car, it’s essential to dial 911 for immediate help. Conditions like hypothermia or heatstroke are just a few of the serious risks that come with leaving a child or pet in a car. so that’s why car locks are important.
Sadly, every year, numerous children and pets are left alone in cars that are then stolen. This often occurs when a parent or caregiver steps out of the car at a store or gas station to quickly make a purchase. It only takes a few minutes for a car to be stolen, and many thieves might not even notice the child or pet inside until they’re already on their way.
Make it a routine to always bring your children with you or leave them at home with a trusted adult. If you need to take your child or pet with you, choose drive-thru services or delivery options, and if you need to leave your car unattended for a short while, take your child with you.
Medicines are very sensitive to slight changes in temperature, so it’s strongly recommended that you don’t leave them in your car. If the temperature inside the car reaches certain limits, the effectiveness of some drugs may decrease or even disappear. For instance, if it gets really cold, certain medications can solidify, resulting in the formation of crystals that can change how potent the drugs are.
On the other hand, high temperatures (above 100 degrees on the thermometer) can also harm medications. On a scorching summer day, your car can end up being 20-30 degrees hotter than the outside air, potentially ruining your pills.
Furthermore, there’s the risk of theft from burglars who might target prescription drugs, either for personal use or to sell illegally.
Be sure to read and follow the directions on the label or the packaging of your drugs, as it usually lists the recommended temperature ranges, and adjust how you handle them accordingly, whether that means using cold packs or putting them in a container when you need to carry them.
This group encompasses a wide range of precious possessions that could include items such as watches and jewelry, sunglasses, house keys, or confidential papers. It’s important to avoid these valuable items falling into the wrong hands, so make sure not to leave them in your car.
The nature of the valuable item will determine the best course of action. For instance, you might want to carry it with you (like sunglasses or jewelry), hide it in the car’s glove compartment or a concealed spot, or simply leave it at home if it’s not necessary.
The key takeaway here, similar to many of the other items mentioned in this post, is to keep these valuables out of sight to discourage opportunistic thieves.
Devices such as computers, smartphones, and tablets are often seen as items that shouldn’t be left unattended in your car, yet they are sometimes forgotten or left behind, making them targets for theft. Any device that looks expensive should always be taken with you or at the very least, placed in a secure location.
Installing security locks on your van is an effective method to prevent theft and break-ins for those who own vans. Even if a van appears empty, to a thief looking for an easy target, it might seem like it contains valuable items. Think about the fact that some people use their vans for work or even as their home, and if it’s a panel van with no clear view inside, it’s impossible to know what’s inside.
Additionally, it’s crucial to remember that electronics can malfunction in very cold or hot conditions, making it another good reason to bring your electronics with you, hide them in a secure spot, or simply leave them at home.
You might not have anticipated including food and drinks in this list, but there are several compelling reasons to not overlook these essentials. To begin with, leaving behind old food and drinks that have grown mold can lead to bacteria spreading throughout the car, which can cause respiratory issues. Moreover, your vehicle will likely end up smelling terrible.
Additionally, food and beverages can draw in thieves, which might seem surprising. In certain areas such as Oakland and San Francisco, thieves are quick to break a window to grab a phone or watch, so it’s not far-fetched to think they’d do the same for a snack or a meal.
In today’s world, it’s generally advised not to leave anything valuable in your car, but even if it seems like nothing would draw a thief’s attention, there’s still a risk of someone attempting to break in and take your car.
Securing your car begins with reliable, working locks – additional security measures will only enhance the protection of your vehicle. Reach out to a reputable, car locksmith near you.
