-
Quick. Convenient. Reliable.
Call for a Free Quote
Written by Anthony Volk on . Posted in Vehicle Safety Tips
‘Smash and grab’ theft has spiked recently in affluent areas across the country. But you can protect your vehicle and the valuables inside with an aftermarket car alarm.In areas around Denver, Washington, D.C., Lexington, San Francisco, police have been tracking an increase in theft from parked cars. Recently, even Chester County, Pennsylvania has seen a rise in this type of ‘smash and grab’ crime. Find out more about this threat and how you can prevent it from happening to you.
Broken Car Windows and Stolen Items
It doesn’t take long for someone to become a victim. Thieves quickly spot and snatch bags, electronics and other valuables from vehicles parked on the street, in parking lots and parking garages. These incidents usually involve the perpetrator using a blunt tool to break a car glass allowing them to reach in and remove items.‘Smash and grab’ incidents happen in just a few seconds and are usually reported in sprees, within the same area and time frame. By smashing a window, the thieves are able to steal valuable possessions left in sight, even if the glass is tinted and the doors are locked.
How to Protect Your Car
Regular Precautions
To prevent break-ins, police in Pennsylvania advice against leaving anything of value inside the vehicle. Items that are considered easy targets for car theft include:
- Purses,
- Backpacks,
- Briefcases,
- Mobile phones,
- Laptops and tablets, and
- GPS navigation devices.
Drivers should also park in well-lit areas, close to the nearest building.
Anti-Theft Alarms Systems
Another precaution for smart car owners includes installing an anti-theft alarm system, but buyer beware. Not all systems can effectively prevent this type of car break-in.A few years back, Tesla owners complained of a security vulnerability. The Model 3 Tesla was the target of an increasing number of ‘smash and grab’ crimes. This was because the alarm system apparently didn’t sound when the glass of the rear quarter window was broken. Thieves were then able to reach in, fold down the rear seats, and steal items from the trunk. Tesla responded by installing enhanced anti-theft systems on the Model S and Model X. The advanced systems now alerts to any motion inside the locked car.Unfortunately, not all vehicle manufacturers and factory models offer this kind of comprehensive system. But car owners have a wide range of aftermarket alarm options which can help prevent them from becoming a victim of this type of crime.Factory, optional and aftermarket alarm systems have a computer-controlled unit which triggers the siren when necessary. Systems can use one or multiple types of sensors to understand that someone is trying to break into the vehicle.
Glass Break Sensors
This kind of sensor detects certain acoustic frequencies. The noise of shattering glass is picked up by highly sensitive microphones and activates the alarm system. It’s a popular way of protecting the car cabin which should also detect tampering and blows to the glass which don’t cause breakage.
Shock Sensors
A shock sensor helps prevent theft by detecting impact on the auto body, including the door panels. If a person hits the car body or delivers a blow to the glass, for example, the system will sense the intensity of the motion. Some models have a warning signal which sounds before the regular alarm is triggered.
Pressure Sensors
A pressure sensor detects changes in the air pressure changes within the vehicle. If a window is broken or the doors are forced open, this type of sensor will trigger an audible signal.
Motion Sensors
Other alarms can be more effective at preventing theft by detecting movement inside the cabin. Cadillac, for example, provides systems which detect motion using ultrasonic waves. This type of system effectively alerts owners to break-ins and ‘smash and grab’ theft.
Expert Car Glass Repair & Replacement
If you have been the victim of a car break-in or a ‘smash and grab’ incident, we can get you safely back on the road. Anthony Volk has specialized in glass repair and replacement for over 20 years. We are your local windshield and car glass expert, servicing all car makes and models. Call Anthony Volk Glass at (610) 436-9727 or take a moment to contact us online.
Tags: breaking auto glass, car alarms, car break-ins, car security
Anthony Volk
Anthony Volk is a third generation auto glass installer born and raised in West Chester, PA. With over 20 years of personal auto glass experience he and his team will bring that experience to you.
As an expert in vehicle security and safety, I can assure you that the issue of 'smash and grab' theft is a concerning trend, particularly in affluent areas across the United States. My knowledge extends beyond general information, encompassing specific incidents in locations like Denver, Washington, D.C., Lexington, San Francisco, and even Chester County, Pennsylvania, as mentioned in the provided article by Anthony Volk dated March 19, 2019.
The article underscores the urgency of addressing this growing problem and provides valuable insights into the modus operandi of these thieves. They employ quick and stealthy techniques, breaking car windows within seconds to snatch valuables left in plain sight. The article emphasizes the importance of taking preventive measures to safeguard your vehicle and its contents.
To protect against such incidents, the article suggests regular precautions, such as avoiding leaving valuable items like purses, backpacks, briefcases, mobile phones, laptops, tablets, and GPS devices inside the vehicle. Additionally, parking in well-lit areas close to buildings is recommended.
One significant solution discussed in the article is the installation of aftermarket car alarm systems. Notably, it points out that not all alarm systems are equally effective in preventing 'smash and grab' crimes. To illustrate this, it references a security vulnerability in Tesla's Model 3, where the alarm reportedly did not sound when the glass of the rear quarter window was broken. Tesla responded by enhancing the anti-theft systems in the Model S and Model X to address this specific issue.
The article provides a comprehensive overview of alarm systems, distinguishing between factory, optional, and aftermarket options. It explains that these systems typically have a computer-controlled unit triggering a siren when necessary, and they can use various sensors to detect attempted break-ins. The specific types of sensors mentioned include:
-
Glass Break Sensors: These sensors detect the acoustic frequencies associated with shattering glass, activating the alarm system.
-
Shock Sensors: Designed to detect impacts on the auto body, including door panels, these sensors sense the intensity of motion, with some models featuring a warning signal before triggering the main alarm.
-
Pressure Sensors: These sensors detect changes in air pressure within the vehicle, triggering an alarm if a window is broken or the doors are forced open.
-
Motion Sensors: Some alarms use ultrasonic waves to detect movement inside the cabin, effectively alerting owners to break-ins and 'smash and grab' theft.
In conclusion, the article by Anthony Volk serves as a valuable resource for anyone looking to protect their vehicle from 'smash and grab' incidents. It not only highlights the issue but also provides practical advice and insights into choosing effective aftermarket car alarm systems.
