5 tips to keep your car safe from burglars

Low-tech devices potentially allow thieves to get inside your car without smashing any windows to get inby, for example, mimicking your key fob or disabling your cars electronics through an electromagnetic pulsewave.

• Phantom car break-ins baffle police

CBC Montreal Investigates found a Laval street where four different car owners had their vehicles broken into and robbed without any traces of damage on the same night.

Three neighbours on astreet in Dollard-des-Ormeauxreported the same kind of activity, even though they all said they were sure they'd locked their doors.

Here are some ways to minimize this risk:

1. Don't leave valuables in the car

If someone can get into your vehicle, it doesnt matter if your tablet is stowed away in your trunk, or your GPS is hidden in your glove compartment they now have access to both those areas.The solution is to just remove everything thats worth anything from your car.

2. Choose your parking spot wisely

Park in a well-lit area, perhaps with cameras.Both of these measures act as deterrents to the thieves. Two of the people we interviewed in Laval said theyd had cameras installed near their front doors since their cars were broken into last summer.

3. Disable your car's electronic key system

This could admittedly become inconvenient, but it's less inconvenient than having your car stolen. If you have your dealer or mechanic remove your ability to open your car at a distance with a key fob, then thieves would no longer be able to capture your key fob signal.

4. Install an extra alarm system

Most vehicle alarm systems are tied to their lock mechanisms so if thieves manage to disable your locks, they also bypass your alarm system. If you want to take an extra step in protecting your vehicle, get an after-market alarm system installed. It willremain active even if yourlocks gethacked.

5. Engrave your car windows or windshield

This is more helpful to deter thieves from hotwiring your car than simply breaking in to steal your stuff.Montreal police say thieves are likely to shy away from picking on vehicles which have distinct markings etched on their glass surfaces.

CBC Montreal Investigates

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