Halloween and Car Theft

pumpkins in the trunk of car.jpgNobody wants to have their car stolen, and we all take precautions to keep our vehicle safe. Losing your car to theft can be a nightmare of a horror show, and what many people don’t realize is that the season of horror — Halloween — is the worst season for car thefts. There are many reasons for this, but when you think about it, it becomes obvious why car thieves are out in force on the one night of the year when nobody looks twice at a guy in a mask. Here’s a look at why Halloween is such a popular night for thieves and how you can keep your car safe.

Why Cars Are Stolen at Halloween

 

Hidden Faces and Chaos

You know that guy in the horror movie slasher mask hiding behind the bushes? It’s possible he’s a college kid out for a few thrills, or a parent taking his kids out for tricks and treats. It’s also possible that he’s looking to steal a car. A night when everyone is in disguise makes for a very easy time for car thieves — how can a witness describe what they saw, when they saw Frankenstein, Dracula or a werewolf breaking into vehicles?

Halloween is also a chaotic time of year. Kids are running back and forth from door to door while their parents do their best to corral them. This environment makes it far easier for a potential thief to slip unnoticed into a vehicle. People are watching out for their kids, not for unusual activity.

Safe Parking

Auto thieves look for easy targets like unlocked vehicles with their windows cracked in shadowy places. When you park in an unfamiliar place on Halloween, look for somewhere that’s well lit. Make sure your windows are up and your vehicle is securely locked. If at all possible, use an anti-theft device. You may not have a car-alarm, but a manual device like a steering wheel lock is a visible and effective deterrent against car theft.

Pay special attention if you drive one of the most commonly targeted vehicles: Hondas (especially the Civic and Accord), full-size Dodge, Chevy and Ford trucks, Toyota Camry, Nissan Maxima and Ultima and various minivans.

 

Empty Car

An empty car is far less likely to be targeted for theft than one with lots of good stuff in plain view. Did you bring your iPad with you? Don’t leave it in the car, or if you do make sure it is in a secure, locked compartment that is out of sight. Take your cell phone, computer, mp3 player and other gadgets along with you. If you realize you forgot them, turn around and head back to get them. Leaving valuables in plain sight inside your vehicle is just an invitation for car theft.

Are you in the market for a new car? Even if you’ve got bad credit, we can help. Blue Sky offers tons of financing options for any kind of car you might want. Take a look at some resources for prospective car buyers, and then get in touch with us for more information today.

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