Theft Prevention Tips for Road Trippers

As you get ready for your next road trip, take a few minutes to review our tips for keeping yourself, your car, and your valuables safe.

Road Trip Safety Tips

Lock Your Car

This should be an automatic process: Exit your car, check that you have your keys, and lock the doors. The most important thing you can do to prevent thieves from stealing your car and your valuables is to lock the doors every time you get out, even if you plan to return within 30 seconds.

Park Smart

You probably wouldn’t walk down a dark alley alone, so why park in a dark, deserted area? Park under a light and choose a location where others can see your car. Thieves dislike being watched, so make sure their actions will be noticed.

Keep Valuables and Chargers Out of Sight

The best way to keep your valuables safe is to leave them at home. However, you’ll likely want your camera and mobile phone with you on your trip. If you must leave valuable items in your car, keep them out of sight, either in the glove box or the trunk. This includes chargers and mounting devices, as a thief seeing your phone charger will assume the phone is also in your vehicle.

Thieves may watch you as you enter or leave your car. If you have valuables inside, they might see you transferring them to your trunk and act accordingly. It’s crucial to stay alert and lock your car doors immediately after entering your vehicle.

In areas known for smash-and-grab thefts, put your purse and other valuables into your locked trunk before you start driving. Keep cash, credit, debit cards, and travel documents in a secure money belt or passport pouch and wear it properly. Never leave travel money or documents in your wallet or purse when traveling.

Clean Your Windshield

If your GPS mounts onto your windshield with a suction cup, a faint circular mark may remain when you remove it. If you can see it, a thief can too. They might assume your GPS unit is stored inside your car. Carry window cleaning wipes or a bottle of spray cleaner and use them daily. Alternatively, consider mounting your GPS unit elsewhere in your vehicle.

Carry Valuables in High-Theft Areas

The trunk of your car is not always secure for storing valuables. Research the safety of the area you’re traveling to, ensuring you don’t return to an empty trunk at an unfortunate moment. If you cannot leave valuables in the trunk, carry them with you as you explore.

Common Theft and Carjacking Scams

Even thieves can be predictable. Knowing typical theft and carjacking tactics can help you prepare in advance and know what to do if you observe a scam in action. Here are some of the best-known theft scams:

Flat Tire Scam

In this scam, thieves place glass or sharp objects on the road, then follow as your tire goes flat. One scammer offers to help, while another removes valuables from your car.

Staged Accident Scam

Thieves bump your car or dart in front of you, claiming you hit them. Amid the confusion, one thief rifling through your vehicle.

Help / Directions Scam

This ploy involves at least two thieves. One asks for directions or assistance, often with a map. While you’re distracted, the accomplice grabs items from your car or picks your pocket.

Gas Station Scams

Always lock your car at gas stations. While you fuel up or pay, a thief may open your passenger door and take valuables. Leaving your keys in the car can lead to a stolen vehicle. Remember to take these precautions even at home, as gas station thefts are common throughout many countries.

Smash and Grab

Though not a true scam, the smash-and-grab approach occurs in many regions. Thieves can surround your car, making it hard to drive away, then smash a window to grab valuables.

This scenario assumes you lock your doors while driving. Often, smash-and-grab thieves simply open the door and take what they want. Always remember to lock your car doors and keep valuables secured in the trunk or reinforced glove compartment.

The Bottom Line

If you take basic travel safety precautions and keep your car doors locked, you significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim of petty criminals looking for an easy target. Thieves typically avoid individuals who appear prepared and confident.