Image via Complex Original
The last way you want to start or end your day is by coming out to see that your car has been vandalized, or, even worse, that it’s gone. Sometimes, there’s nothing you can do about it. Criminals can be persistent. But most often, the car-jacking/stealing lowlife is going to go for the easiest option. They want to get in and get out with the least amount of trouble possible. You can prevent yourself from being the victim and let some other sucker fill the role by making sure you do a few simple things. Learn how to protect your whip with 10 Things That Make Your Car a Target for Theft or Vandalism.
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10. Leaving Valuables in Plain Sight
This really boils down to not being stupid. Leaving something valuable on your seat or even on the floor is just begging for trouble. It takes just one sketchy character to peep into your window, see something they want, and bust your window quicker than you can say "insurance claim." Stow your nice shit in a bag, under the seat, in a compartment, or the best option: Bring it with you. Replacing your goods and your window is not worth the few seconds it'll take to properly secure your tempting items.
9. Owning an Obnoxious Car
Have you ever seen a car so over the top that's so obnoxious you want to key it up? You probably didn't go through with it, but somebody out there has the tenacity to. Slapping super nice rims on a certified P.O.S. or an offensive bumper sticker-like the racist Obama ones you'll see in half of every red state-will rub people the wrong way. And then they'll scratch your car the wrong way.
8. Always Leaving Your Spare Key in the Same Hiding Spot
This tells a potential thief that all they have to do is get in and the car is their's. Wallet inserts are your best best for stashing your spare key. That way your key will always be nearby without being easily accessible for anyone else. Just don't lose your wallet and your keys.
7. Parking in A Dark Area
The more concealed your car is, the more likely it is to get trashed or stolen completely. Criminals don't want to be seen, so leaving your car in a well-lit and/or populated are is always best. Only the dumbest of criminals would mess with your car as dozens of witnesses pass by.
6. Leaving Your Door Unlocked
Really, dude? This is about as simple as it gets. This is the first line in defense from preventing some a-hole from getting into your car. There's no excuse for leaving your car unlocked, unless you're trying to get someone to steal your car for the insurance money. If that's the case, you should probably lay off the episodes of Bait Car on TruTV.
5. Pissing Off the Wrong Person
The two best ways to hurt a man are hitting his balls or his ride. And since only the complete crazies will wait around to tap your sack, your car is the more likely target. It's just sitting there, while you're inside or even further away, completely oblivious. It could be a gilted ex of yours or the boyfriend of that hot girl you took home last weekend. Who knows? Just try and keep people happy so they don't pull a Drama and smash your windshield with a golf club.
4. Leaving Your Car Filthy
Yes, this is very minor vandlism. Having "wash me" or a big dick drawn on your dirt-plagued car is still embarassing, though. Wash your car so 1. you don't look like a slob and 2. so you don't tempt every goofy ass teenager (or the one inside all of us) when they walk by and see a canvas.
3. Owning an Acura or a Honda
When Complex Rides writer Tony Markovich purchased his '97 Acura Integra a few years back, guess what the first thing he did was? He put a kill switch in it. Every year, a list of the most stolen vehicles comes out, and Honda Civics, Honda Accords and Acura Integras are always some of the most likely vehicles to get ripped off. It's important to know the worth of your vehicle, where you're driving it, how high-risk it is, and how you can protect against it. Unfortunately for Tony, some asshole T-boned the car later, totalling it to a sad hunk of parts that ended up on eBay.
2. Parking Under a Tree
It's not even humans you have to worry about here. It's the birds. Sure, getting a nice, shady spot sounds nice at first, but you'll change your mind when you come back to see a bunch of pigeons have decorated your car's exterior with their crap. And you'll be even more upset, when the poop eats away at your paint and spiders your clear coat. Birds are habitual vandalizers!
1. Parking Like an Asshole
Optimistically, most people don't park like assholes on purpose. Maybe you're just in a hurry and didn't realize you're parked way too close to the other spot-or have creeped all the way into it. Maybe you just didn't see that you're directly in front of somebody's driveway. Regardless of motivation, when someone sees your awful park job, they'll assume the worse and want to take justice in their own hands. Don't give someone a reason to key up your door. Pay attention. And if you are just an asshole, well, you'll get what you deserve.
