Car theft today isn’t always loud or dramatic — it’s often quiet, fast, and opportunistic. Even in quiet neighborhoods, we’re seeing more cases of theft and break-ins, especially when cars are left unlocked or valuables are visible inside.

As part of National Safety Month, we’re focusing on vehicle security basics to help you protect your car this summer. These are practical, field-tested tips based on what we’ve seen firsthand across Chester and Delaware Counties.

Lock Every Door — Always

Many vehicle thefts and break-ins happen when the car is simply left unlocked, often in someone’s own driveway. Even if you’re just stepping inside for a moment:

• Lock all doors, including hatchbacks and side doors
  
• Close all windows and sunroofs
  
• Activate any factory alarm or anti-theft system
  

This simple habit is one of the most effective deterrents.

Hide (or Better Yet, Remove) Valuables

Thieves often break into cars not for what’s actually valuable — but for what looks like it could be. That includes:

• Backpacks/Purses
• Shopping bags
• Phones
  
  

Tip: Always remove visible items or move them to the trunk before arriving at your destination. Thieves often watch parking lots and target vehicles they see being loaded.

Physical Anti-Theft Devices Can Deter Theft

You don’t need expensive electronics to add a layer of protection. Visible deterrents signal that your car is not an easy target. Consider:

• Steering wheel locks – especially in urban areas or street parking
  
• Locking lug nuts – to protect expensive wheels
  
• Brake pedal locks – another visual barrier
  
• Faraday pouches – to block smart key signals (relay attack prevention). Here’s an affordable option.

Smart Keys Require Smart Storage

Vehicles with push-to-start ignitions can be vulnerable to relay attacks, where thieves boost your key fob’s signal to unlock and even start your car.

Reduce the risk by:

• Storing fobs away from doors or windows
  
• Using a Faraday pouch or RFID-blocking case when not in use

Lost a Key? Get Old Ones Removed

If you’ve lost a key or had one stolen, removing it from your vehicle’s immobilizer system is essential.

Even if someone still has the physical key:

• They cannot drive away if it’s been deactivated from the system
  
• For keyed ignitions, they might still access the interior — so pairing this with rekeying or security upgrades may be wise

This is one of the simplest and most overlooked steps in vehicle theft prevention.

Light It Up & Stay Aware

Thieves often rely on low visibility and distractions. Improve your odds with these easy upgrades:

• Park in well-lit areas or garages whenever possible
  
• Install motion-detecting lights around your driveway
  
• Stay alert when entering or exiting your vehicle in public spaces

Know the Local Patterns

Auto theft tends to happen in waves. Recently, local police in Delaware County have reported an uptick in:

• Wheel thefts
  
• Break-ins of unlocked cars
  
• Incidents in quiet residential streets, especially overnight

Stay informed by following alerts from local law enforcement or neighborhood apps like Ring, Nextdoor, or Citizen.

Avoid This Common Mistake: Spare Keys in Magnetic Boxes

One method we don’t recommend: hiding a spare key under your car in a magnetic box. It’s one of the first places thieves check.

Better option: Keep a metal spare key blade in your wallet or purse. It won’t start the car, but it can unlock the door in case you lock your keys inside.

Consider a Dash Cam — Hardwired for 24/7 Protection

If you really want to go the extra mile, installing a dash cam with a hardwired power source is one of the best long-term security upgrades you can make.

• Hardwiring allows the camera to run even when the vehicle is off, providing 24/7 surveillance
• A front-facing cam can capture suspicious activity, while an optional interior cabin cam adds an extra layer of protection

Not only does this deter theft, but it can also provide valuable evidence in case of vandalism or accidents.

Final Word from AW Locksmith

Most vehicle thefts are crimes of opportunity. But with the right habits, tools, and awareness, you can turn your car into a much harder target — without breaking the bank.

AW Locksmith is proud to serve our local community not just with service, but with real information you can use to stay safe. Stay sharp this summer, and protect what matters.