Keep an eye on your belongings: car thieves are active
Increasing theft of car parts
The police have recently received more reports of car break-ins, particularly in the Genoenhuis neighborhood. Thieves seem to be targeting car parts rather than items inside the car. They steal items such as airbags, navigation systems, catalytic converters, mirrors, headlights, and wheels. They work in an organized manner and on demand.
In this article, we provide some tips and advice on how to protect your car and its parts. Above all, we ask you to be alert and to report any suspicious situations immediately.
Tips to prevent theft of car parts
Protect removable parts
Headlights, airbags, mirrors, wheels, and bumpers can be secured with a special bolt with a break-off head: when tightened, the head breaks off and what remains cannot be loosened with a wrench. This means that parts thieves cannot simply remove the bolt.
If your navigation system is not removable, consider a security sticker or an anti-theft housing. The catalytic converter can be secured by installing a special "catalytic converter clamp" or anti-theft plate.
Park your car sensibly
It is always advisable to park your car in a well-lit area, preferably nearby. If possible, park your car indoors. If you don't have a garage, park your car in a well-lit spot. This is because a well-lit, public parking lot is generally less attractive to thieves than a dark corner in a side street. At least half of all car thefts are committed in the evening.
Do not leave any belongings in the car.
Do not leave coats, bags, laptops, or other items in the car; hiding them is pointless. A thief can see whether there are electrical devices in the car using a "WiFi sniffer." In addition, an empty car attracts less attention.
Engrave parts (VIN):
Have your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) engraved on the car windows or headlights. This makes the parts less attractive for resale.
Be careful with keyless entry:
Keyless entry means that the car opens and starts without a key. The disadvantage of this system is that criminals can also use the signal from the transmitter remotely. If you have a car with keyless entry, in many cases you can disable this system (or have it disabled) or have it secured with additional measures. In any case, it is a good idea to store the (spare) key in a special metal box (keyless shield box) to prevent "relay attacks" (signal extension).
Install an (additional) alarm:
Health the alarm system is working properly and is visible (flashing light). An addition to the standard alarm system that can protect you against gangs is tilt detection. This alarm system responds to, among other things, the car being tilted. If a thief jacks up the car, the alarm goes off.
Fold in the mirrors:
On some models, the mirror glasses are stolen; folding them down can make theft more difficult.
Point that camera at your house and at the car too.
You are allowed to install a camera to protect your home against burglary. You are not allowed to point a camera at the public highway or your neighbors' house or garden. However, if you have a security camera, point it at your car as well. Also place a sign at your home indicating that there are security cameras installed.
Do you see anything suspicious? Report it immediately.
Do you see or hear anything unusual? If the burglar is still in the vicinity, call the police immediately on 112 or 0900 8844.
Unfortunately, the chances of catching a thief in the act are slim, but those chances do increase when all local residents are alert and call the police immediately so that they can arrive quickly.
Together we can make it safer!