We received a phone call this week from a Southold client who was very upset. His car was stolen. For over twenty years he parked his car in his driveway every day. Unlocked. With the keys in it. Imagine that. This sort of thing is not supposed to happen in our beloved little town. We know a secret, two-step approach to protecting your car from most but not all thefts. Do not leave your keys in it. And lock it. Simple, straightforward and statistically accurate on reducing auto theft.
Seriously, you may think we're being sarcastic but we really mean it. But don't just take our word on this subject. "Auto thefts saw a dramatic increase in part due to the pandemic, an economic downtown, law enforcement realignment, depleted social and schooling programs, and, in still too many cases, owner complacency," said David Glawe, president and CEO of the National Insurance Crime Bureau. "For many people, a car is the second largest investment they will ever make behind a home. As such, it is important to take simple steps to protect your investment - lock you car and take your keys, no matter where you live."
Sure, we can sell you cameras and driveway sensors but part of our job is to reduce your probability of a theft, not just report it after it's happened. And if you leave items in your car, you're at risk of a later identity theft. We even had to assist our client with reprogramming his garage door opener since one of them was in the stolen car.
And we believe there's another good reason for locking up your car everywhere you go, not just in your driveway. You may actually prevent someone from making a bad decision. Think about that. Remove the temptation and the risk by merely locking your car. Spread the word in your neighborhood and now the entire community becomes just a little bit safer. Something to consider.