None of us want to experience that sinking feeling you get when you find that your vehicle has been broken into.

It’s gut-wrenching to discover when you return after a quick shop that the window was smashed and your belongings stolen – even worse, finding your vehicle was stolen.

Here are some tips and suggestions from motus.cars to help you protect your vehicle and the belongings inside:

1. Be cautious about where you park your vehicle. Park it in a well-lit, secure space preferably where there is security guard. If possible, park in a secure garage.

2. One of the simplest ways to protect your vehicle is to lock the doors and close the windows – whether you are in the vehicle or not. Keep them closed and locked while driving too.

3. Be aware of remote jamming – check physically that the door handle is locked, even if the locked alarm sound has activated. The rising trend in theft is the use of remote jamming devices, which stops the vehicle from locking. You’re completely unaware of this unless you double-check that the vehicle is locked.

4. Never leave your keys in your vehicle, even if you’re just getting out to open the gate, and be mindful of where you keep your spare key.

5. Be vigilant as you get out of your vehicle – opportunistic criminals who appear to be simply walking by, could take a chance by opening the vehicle door just before you are able to lock it.

6. Valuables that are visible within a vehicle can be attractive to would-be criminals. Avoid having your purse, phone or any other expensive items in plain sight. This also applies when you are travelling. It’s a good idea to keep your handbag, laptop and other valuable items safely locked in your boot.

7. Install extra security features like a vehicle immobiliser, steering wheel lock, and anti-smash-and-grab film on your windows to offer an additional layer of protection against break-ins.

8. Be extra alert when stopped at traffic lights and when approaching driveways. Ensure your vehicle radio is off and focus on your surroundings.

It’s interesting to note that according to Stats SA, there were an estimated 88 000 incidences of motor vehicle thefts in SA during 2019/ 2020, and according to police crime stats, there were approximately 22 697 incidences of people’s valuables being stolen from inside their vehicles during 2020.