I would have thought with today's technology that recovery would be really really easy. All these high end security systems and none come with gps homing beacon? Really?

Car stolen? Simply call an activation number or get online and log in and find out right where your car is. Then you could grab your strap and go make things right. Oh... And I don't believe the guys story about the ok corral thing. He probably had his buddy drive him until he found it and then just got in and drove back. They probably had a gun on them but didn't need to flash it. "quicker to the draw?" REGULATOOOOOOORS..... Mount up! I glanced to the left and I saw my GE 8, 15 in da clip and one in da hole...

 

Stick a Chevy Aveo badge on it?

 

OK. So I'm beginning this parking on Tuesday. I have another option, which is to park in a Target parking lot, in a slightly nicer part of town and then walk 0.5 miles to my destination. I don't think I would do this all of the time, but on nice days, why not (exercise is good, right?).

Anyway, if I keep my car in a Target parking lot overnight, should I put a club or anything on it?

Thanks again for your help!

 

Last time I checked, Fits were not on the final cut of car thieves lists. Don't put $5,000 wheels and $10,000 stereos on a $15,000 car

 

I've lived at my apartment for a year with my Fit and haven't had an issue.

The only issue I had was with my SUV I had prior, that thief met a 12ga and was arrested.

I leave stuff in my car, but nothing I care about. I've left my wallet in my car and it wasn't broken into. I dont have an alarm or anything. I just look out at my car if I wake up during the night.
I think the landlords camera for the trash can keeps people away, because we have people that throw stuff into our dumpster, so the landlord put a camera up for that.

Maybe living across the street from a Fire Dept, helps too. Those guys are always washing the truck outside if it's decent.

 

My car is a Fit Sport and is 100% stock, but some people love their stereo's and then can only afford $15K on a vehicle.

 

best way to do it

 

True, but that makes it a thief magnet.

 

My only advice is not to put your valuables away after you arrive at your destination. Put away your GPS/purse/etc. before you park. We parked in downtown Sac one day and the wife decided she didn't want to carry her purse, so we put it in the hatch of the Volvo as we left the car. Apparently, someone was casing the parking lot, because we came back to a broken rear window. Fortunately, there were no real valuables in the purse and the thief was probably cussing at us. Unfortunately, the only place to buy Volvo glass is Volvo...and that was a $750 lesson.

Kev

 

Some tips, take 'em or leave 'em...

1) Empty your car.

Every time you park your car take some time to remove everything that you accumulated that day. This means coins, radios, gps & gps cables, iPod cables, book bags, even trash. This will keep the thief from getting curious about your vehicle.

2) Tint your windows.

To the legal limit of course . They won't steal what they can't see. Thieves assume a certain amount of risk when they break into a car. They know that if they are spotted, or someone takes a picture with the millions of smart phones out there, or if a cop is near they will get busted. So, if they see an ipod or a bag they might think "this is worth the risk". Tint the windows and follow step #1 to prevent someone from becoming interested in your vehicle.

3) Lock your car / Security Systems

Locking your car might seem obvious but without steps 1 and 2 you car windows will get smashed in anyways and you will be looking at a pretty expensive bill. Deductibles are usually more than a window repair and will come almost entirely out of pocket

Look into security systems, tracking systems, alarms...I don't have one because after step 1 and 2 my car was left alone; thus, I can make no recommendations here. Also, if you get one talk to your car insurance about getting a discount. Tell them you want the decreased payments to offset the investment you have made. If they wont give your a discount switch to someone that will.

4) Leave your car unlocked.

Just throwing this one out there; cannot say I strongly recomend it but I have heard of people doing it -- usually with old beater cars. Leaving your car unlocked will prevent your vehicle from getting the windows smashed (usually with a repair cost that is below your deductible). The only thing I see wrong with this is I have seen people walk down a street "flicking" door handles until they find one that is unlocked -- and then they open it up and take anything and everything. You are out whatever got stolen but usually that is worth less than the smashed window. However, I cannot say I recommend this solution (If you use step 3 skip 4).

5) Buy a M/T.

If you are willing and able, buy a M/T. This might be a bit extreme but I bet the majority of people out to commit GTA cannot even drive a stick, a result of today's vehicle education. Young punks probably have no idea about M/Ts.



6) What others have said.

I find that steps 1 and 2 are most effective but you can certainly use them in combination with any other ideas you find on this thread.

IMO you could get by with only step 1 or 2 and save money on the security system. My car was broken into twice (within a few months) and both times they broke into my car because they saw a GPS cable and assumed there was a GPS to be found as well. Once they broke in and saw there was no GPS they took the cable anyways, a $13 tragedy.

Stopped leaving the GPS cable in my car and tinted my windows and BINGO

Good Luck!

Cheers.

 

^this! REGULATOOOOOOOOORS!!!

Enjoy this remix :

"I cant. Forget. We're not in love anymore. I Cant. Forget. Things will never be the same, again!"

Guns?



On the topic of guns I would NOT recommend leaving a loaded gun under the seat. Having a gun stolen that is tied to your name is NOT fun. Plus, it is more useful on your hip than under your seat.

'Murica

 

I LOL'd hard.