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To lock or not to lock? Car break-ins....

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Phentex Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Mar-26-07 02:35 PM
Original message
Poll question: To lock or not to lock? Car break-ins....
If you live in an area where car break-ins are common, and you don't park in a garage or other secured area, is it better to leave your car doors unlocked (so that thieves don't have to break the windows) or locked (to deter thieves who might not want to make noise, etc.) ?

Answer this based on those two options. Forget large dogs, security systems, better lighting, not owning a car at all, etc.

Which do you think is better? Why?
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SteppingRazor Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Mar-26-07 02:50 PM
Response to Original message
1. Definitely lock your doors
It IS a deterrent. A lot of thieves are just interested in whatever they can grab, not the car itself. And these would much rather find an unlocked door than bash open a window — bashing windows attracts unwanted attention, after all. So, many of them just go from car to car till they find an unlocked one, occasionally knocking in a window if something really juicy is lying out in plain view. So, if you leave your doors unlocked, you're going to be the one car they stop at.

The best thing to do is keep valuables out of plain sight and lock your doors. That'll keep almost all smash-and-grab thieves away.

Ahem. Not that I know about these things.
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Phentex Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Mar-26-07 04:41 PM
Response to Reply #1
11. So far, it's split...
Some have had their windows smashed. Others have left the doors unlocked BUT kept stuff inside. The police keep reminding people about removing anything they'd like to keep, but people get complacent.
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realisticphish Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Mar-26-07 02:52 PM
Response to Original message
2. Assuming you own a shitty car
lock the door. They're not going to go to the trouble of breaking in if your stereo has an 8-track
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Phentex Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Mar-26-07 04:42 PM
Response to Reply #2
12. I like to call it
"a simple family car." It's nearly 12 years old and nobody wants it. :)
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SacredCow Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Mar-26-07 02:56 PM
Response to Original message
3. Definitely lock your doors....
Just the other day I was walking to my car in a mall parking lot and saw a shady looking character backing up to the driver's door of car after car and pulling the handle. My car was only a couple away, so I decided to lay low and as soon as he touched mine I hit the panic button on my remote and watched him run.

Then, I called the mall office and asked that they alert security.
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Phentex Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Mar-26-07 04:44 PM
Response to Reply #3
13. Scary! These are happening at night in the hood but
there's been a rash of purse thefts and ring snatching at nearby shopping places. Luckily, I hate to shop, and due to the kind of car I drive and the jewelry I don't wear, I'm okay for now.
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KitchenWitch Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Mar-26-07 03:00 PM
Response to Original message
4. As a woman, for personal safety reasons - Lock the doors.
I would not leave the doors unlocked, (I drive a van) since I would have no way of knowing if someone got into my van (with the doors unlocked) for the purposes of harming me. If someone broke a window or otherwise damaged my van trying to break in, at least I would know, and could call the authorities.
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Phentex Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Mar-26-07 04:45 PM
Response to Reply #4
14. True.
It would take me weeks to notice if something was missing from my car...:)
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CaliforniaPeggy Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Mar-26-07 03:01 PM
Response to Original message
5. My dear Phentex...
I always lock! SteppingRazor said it better than I can...



:hi:
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Phentex Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Mar-26-07 04:47 PM
Response to Reply #5
16. The neighbors are debating this...
I like the opinions I can get here. Thanks! :hi:
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kwassa Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Mar-26-07 03:12 PM
Response to Original message
6. If you have a soft convertible top, leave it unlocked.
Thieves slice the top with a knife, and just open the door. Sometimes they don't check the locks before they slice the top, however, and convertible tops are very expensive.

If break-ins are common, nothing will stop the thieves, who don't care about breaking glass. Many have the sliding metal pieces that pop door locks, too. Depends on the thief and their sophistication. Are they stealing your radio, or are they stealing your car to strip for parts?

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Phentex Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Mar-26-07 04:51 PM
Response to Reply #6
19. I park in a garage and I still remove anything valuable...
not that The Funk cds aren't valuable! :)

It's happening to people who park in carports or on the street. Mainly, they are taking items like laptops, ipods, etc. AND it's about every other night (at least what's being reported.)
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GoneOffShore Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Mar-26-07 04:58 PM
Response to Reply #19
26. Someone left a laptop in a car? Where it could be seen?
Might as well have just put it on the roof with a big neon sign that said "Take Me"!

If, and it's very occasionally, I am going to leave something of value in my car, I will stop well before I reach my destination and put it in the trunk. That way, when I park, it's not obvious that there is anything in the car.
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lutefisk Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Mar-26-07 03:30 PM
Response to Original message
7. I lock mine, but I know someone who had a different strategy...
He had so many break-ins (and had two cars stolen) that he just started leaving small change, maybe a couple dollars, in plain sight on the center console with the car doors unlocked. This seemed to keep whoever-the-hell-it-was satisfied. He spent a few bucks a week, but no longer had to pay to repair break-in damage or vandalism. This was in Southern California.

Oh, it didn't work forever. He moved a few miles away and the car was stolen, never to be seen again. Didn't get a chance to develop a relationship with the new neighbors, I guess.
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Phentex Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Mar-26-07 04:52 PM
Original message
This is one strategy, hence the poll...
one guy down the street has had so many break-ins, he leaves the car empty but unlocked. Funny, they haven't tried to steal the car yet.
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NightWatcher Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Mar-26-07 03:34 PM
Response to Original message
8. Lock your doors, but park near nicer cars.
If you drive a year old Corolla and you park near a Land Rover, the theif will probably chose the Rover over yours.
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Phentex Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Mar-26-07 04:53 PM
Response to Reply #8
21. I joke about leaving my car out
with the spare key in (wink, wink) but my husband said it's not worth it.
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Maineiac Donating Member (361 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Mar-26-07 03:34 PM
Response to Original message
9. Although I live in Maine
Edited on Mon Mar-26-07 03:35 PM by Maineiac
which does not have what anyone else would consider crime. I lock my doors only because my CD's disappeared once (stolen?) and it's a pain in the ass to re burn them. I only carry copies in my car.
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Phentex Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Mar-26-07 04:55 PM
Response to Reply #9
22. I think that would trouble me the most too
That and my nail polish in the glove box! :)
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Maineiac Donating Member (361 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Mar-26-07 05:05 PM
Response to Reply #22
30. I keep my nail polish on my vanity
Edited on Mon Mar-26-07 05:05 PM by Maineiac
:D
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NMDemDist2 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Mar-26-07 03:40 PM
Response to Original message
10. i lock the doors UNLESS the car is a convertable
a new top is very expensive :hi:
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Phentex Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Mar-26-07 04:56 PM
Response to Reply #10
23. I remember convertibles...
before the kids came along. *sigh*

:hi:
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bigwillq Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Mar-26-07 04:47 PM
Response to Original message
15. I would still lock the doors
Edited on Mon Mar-26-07 04:48 PM by bigwillq
I think for insurance purposes, you might have proof of a break in due to the broken glass, etc....

if you left the doors open...it would be easier to break in and I would think it wouldn't make a good case if someone did steal the car.....you left the doors open for the taking...that type of thing.
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Phentex Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Mar-26-07 05:02 PM
Response to Reply #15
27. I hadn't thought about that...
that's something to consider.
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kwassa Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Mar-26-07 06:15 PM
Response to Reply #15
35. No, you don't have to prove anything for insurance purposes
Signs of forceful entry are not necessary. If the insurance company can't absolutely prove it, they have to pay it or be in big legal trouble.

I was a claims adjuster a couple of decades ago for a few years. Thieves have what used to be called jimmies, that slide down the outside glass, inside the door, and pop the door locks open. No signs, and very common.

Then they would use a auto shop tool, a dent puller, to pop off the ignition lock, and turn the car off and on with a screwdriver. Goodbye, car.

Back then, Blaupunkt radios in German cars were the rage, and nothing would stop the thieves.

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bigwillq Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Mar-26-07 06:23 PM
Response to Reply #35
37. Thanks for the info.
:)
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NoGOPZone Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Mar-26-07 04:47 PM
Response to Original message
17. I say lock. Don't make it easier for thieves nt
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Phentex Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Mar-26-07 05:03 PM
Response to Reply #17
28. Thanks for weighing in.
:)
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Kutjara Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Mar-26-07 04:50 PM
Response to Original message
18. If you're going to claim on insurance,...
...then you'd better lock the doors. Many insurers won't pay out without signs of "breaking and entering."
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Phentex Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Mar-26-07 05:03 PM
Response to Reply #18
29. Mentioned above
and worth considering. I'll have to ask around to see if the neighbors had any trouble making claims.
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kwassa Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Mar-26-07 06:16 PM
Response to Reply #18
36. Not true at all.
Insurers can't do that.
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Kutjara Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Mar-26-07 07:33 PM
Response to Reply #36
38. Sure they can, and they regularly do.
Many policies contain exclusions for negligence on the part of the insured, and leaving your car (or house) unlocked is de facto evidence of negligence. An insurance broker friend of mine once advised me, "if you get burgled after leaving your door unlocked, make sure you put a brick through your window before calling the cops."
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kwassa Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Mar-26-07 08:14 PM
Response to Reply #38
39. There is no way to prove you left your car unlocked.
Edited on Mon Mar-26-07 08:18 PM by kwassa
None whatsoever.

Like I said, a locked car can be opened with no sign of damage by a thief. Therefore, a claim can't be denied because of no evidence of forced entry, because some forced entry leaves no evidence.

here is the picture of the slim jim, the tool used to open locked car doors. It costs $4.99, plus tax.



Read about it here.

http://www.keepshooting.com/lockpicks/autolockouttools/slimjim.htm
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Kutjara Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Mar-26-07 08:35 PM
Response to Reply #39
40. Of course.
Edited on Mon Mar-26-07 08:41 PM by Kutjara
And there are also devices that can capture the unlock codes from keyfob remote controls, so the thief can open the car without touching it. My point is that, if you leave your car unlocked and it gets burgled, don't tell your insurer (or the cops) it was unlocked.
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GoneOffShore Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Mar-26-07 04:52 PM
Response to Original message
20. Lock em!
If they're locked you're not an easy target. But don't leave anything showing in the car. Not even a banana - We had a window broken in Manhattan once and the only thing they took was a banana. Go figure. :shrug:
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Phentex Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Mar-26-07 05:05 PM
Response to Reply #20
31. Hmmm...
I'm sure I have a granola bar or two in there somewhere.

Sorry about your window.
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unpossibles Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Mar-26-07 04:57 PM
Response to Original message
24. lock it.
I live in the hood, and I have seen kids walk by cars, scoping them out and checking handles (on the ones that are not obviously locked).

Also, I used to have a Samurai, and kept it unlocked because of the soft top thing. Not to mention you can just unzip the thing. Anyway, people still sliced my top twice, broke off my mirrors once or twice, slept in my car, stole my jumper cables, rifled through my glove box, etc. I actually busted some dude about to take a crap in the back of it.

So yeah. I lock my doors now on my truck and have nothing worth stealing in it.
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Phentex Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Mar-26-07 05:06 PM
Response to Reply #24
32. That's what my husband drove years ago...
and rather than unzip the back, they sliced it open to steal a tennis racket. A crappy tennis racket at that! But he had to get a new cover. grrrrrr
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unpossibles Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Mar-26-07 05:19 PM
Response to Reply #32
34. yeah. I had a huge gaping hole in my top TWICE
and both times in the middle of winter. How hard is it use a zipper or even to check to see if the doors are locked first? morans.
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Critters2 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Mar-26-07 04:58 PM
Response to Original message
25. When I lived in Chicago, I quit locking the car after the 4th break in
I got tired of paying for new windows. If they wanted in, they were going to get in, no matter what I did. I didn't have a car they were likely to steal, so that wasn't really a worry. I just didn't leave anything in it (the first time they broke in, they stole a communion kit), and left it unlocked. No more broken windows.

I lived in a gentrifying neighborhood, and the locals liked to joke that BMW stood for "break my window".
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Phentex Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Mar-26-07 05:10 PM
Response to Reply #25
33. Interesting.
That's why one of the neighbors stopped locking his. Still, it seems unsettling.

We've gone from the occasional smash and grab to "who got hit tonight?"
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Wcross Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Mar-26-07 08:37 PM
Response to Original message
41. A thief is going to get in eventually.
If you live in an area where its common for break ins leave the door unlocked and don't leave anything of value inside. It would be hard to swallow a 1-200 dollar window broken trying to protect the "factory radio".
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Poiuyt Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Mar-26-07 08:37 PM
Response to Original message
42. Just leave your pet python on the front seat
no one will break in
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ironflange Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Mar-26-07 10:48 PM
Response to Reply #42
43. Yeah! Or this big fella:
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Cobalt-60 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Mar-26-07 11:07 PM
Response to Original message
44. use thieves for garbage disposal
Someone told me that they had a theft problem and a trash disposal bind.
they claimed they dealt with it by gift wrapping the week's trash and leaving it in the back seat of an unattended car.
They parked downtown and the refuse disappeared in minutes.
OFC this could have been a leg pull.
But it was an amusing story at minimum.
As for myself, i drive a 13 year old Buick filled with worthless cr*p.
So break ins aren't a serious threat.
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