Car theft is an equally dreadful incident that makes one feel vulnerable and ineffective. Although GPS trackers have gone a long way in helping in vehicle recovery, not everyone has one fitted. Nevertheless, there are still ways to increase the odds of the vehicle’s recovery.
It is also important to know the extent of the problem before getting into the recovery procedures. This article seeks to establish or rather discuss the global trends and incidence of car theft as well as its modus operandi.
For instance in Africa, a common outlet of the car theft is often affiliated to organized crime syndicates and may sometimes be exported across borders. You can learn more about these crimes in a previous article revealing disturbing auto theft stats. In the States, car theft risks depend on aspects like the majority of car brands in the area and certain levels of criminality. Realizing these patterns can assist in planning for how your recovery will take place.
Measures to Be Taken After a Car Theft
The following measures can be taken in the event of car theft:
Inform the Police as soon as Possible
This is the first and most important or primary step. The more you describe the car and the circumstances surrounding the theft, the better; this includes the make, model, color, registration number, theft time, and place.
Make sure you obtain the police report. It will be useful in the event of filing a lawsuit and insurance claims. The police can also record your vehicle information in national and local databases, making your car easily recoverable.
Read Also: How do you get a Police Character Certificate in Nigeria?
File an Online Report
If you want your vehicle to stand a higher chance of being recovered, you should be sure to file a report online with Vehicle Checks. This online report will not discourage potential buyers from purchasing the vehicle but will encourage them to find you.
Additionally, using this platform will discourage criminal activities involving vehicle theft around the streets of Africa.
READ ALSO: Requirements for Vehicle Change of Ownership In Africa (Top 5 countries)
Contact Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurer of the theft in order to open a claim. You should be ready to share such documents as the police report, your car’s unique identification number, VIN, and the photos of your vehicle. Your insurance company will be able to advise on the further course of action and may be able to provide more resources to help in the rehabilitation.
They may also provide for expenditures in connection with automobiles/vehicles for hire or any other transportation required during the investigation.
Document Everything
Some of the important documents that have to be collected include; the identification number, which can be the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), photographs of the car and receipts of that particular car. It is recommended to make a detailed file that will indicate all the necessary information, which will help to accelerate the search and recovery. Recording any specific characteristics or alterations made to in the car can help in its identification in case it is recovered.
Leverage Technology
You can utilize technological advancement to let potentially helpful individuals and organizations know about the theft.
Social Media
Share elaborate posts on social media that include local groups about your stolen car. Ask questions on any pictures, descriptions, and location of the theft. Promote your post so that as many people as possible could see your post. Word spreading can also be very effective on social media due to the far reach within the shortest time possible. Tag this post with hashtags and tag the local authorities or the certain community groups that can help. We do not want to promote any social media platform, however you should know what is obtainable in your locale.
Online Marketplaces
Some of the essential actions to perform include frequent checking of the online platforms, where vehicles are listed to check for any matching results. Another is that sometimes cars that were stolen are sold at sites such as craigslist, face book market and local auction sites. Visit these sites often and report any listing that is suspicious to the police. You can also set key word that nearly relates with your vehicle so that you are updated in every alert.
Engage Your Community
Here are some of the ways in which you could involve your community or neighbors:
Notify Neighbors and Other Business Establishments
Inform your community on the same to enhance awareness. Fill some flyers with information about your stolen car and collaborate with your neighbors and request them to be on the lookout. Local businesses especially those with security cameras can as well be useful partners, especially when their tapes are demanded by the criminals. Developing a cordon of look-outs will greatly increase your odds of re covery.
Check Towing Companies
For more information access local towing companies in an attempt of getting to know if your car has been towed. There are occasions when the stolen car is dumped and later on, becomes the subject of towing. It is also useful to call those companies to find out how soon they can retrieve your car. Inform them of your vehicle’s information and inquire to alert you when a comparable car has been towed in.
Review Security Camera Footage
Search local stores or anywhere in your neighborhood for any leads on the security cameras. If this is available. Security cameras are valuable in as much as they record events in the course of the theft including the direction the thieves took or features of the culprits. It is equally appropriate to go around asking neighbors and owners of shops nearby whether they have not witnessed something on their camera.
Consider Professional Recovery Services
There are some unique firms that are in the business of conducting vehicle retrieval services. These are professionals with an ability to check on the movement of stolen vehicles and recover the same. Although the services of these companies may attract a fee, the chances of getting your car recovered will be enhanced. They mostly collaborate with the police and frequently employ modern equipment to search for stolen automobiles. You can start with Vehicle Checks free service where you can report your stolen vehicle.
Prevent Future Theft
You can take the following steps to prevent future thefts from occouring:
Install Car Alarms and Anti-Theft Devices
To deter potential thieves, consider installing car alarms, steering wheel locks, or other anti-theft devices. Visible deterrents can make your car a less attractive target. Additionally, consider investing in more advanced security systems like kill switches or immobilizers. These devices can prevent the car from being started without a key or a specific action.
Park in Secure Locations
Always aim to park in well-lit, populated areas. If you have a garage, use it. If not, consider parking in a secure, monitored parking lot. Thieves are less likely to target vehicles in areas where they might be seen or caught. If you have to park on the street, choose spots that are well-lit and have high foot traffic.
Etch Your Vehicle
Mark your vehicle with a unique identifier to make it harder for thieves to sell. This can be done by etching your VIN onto the windows and other parts of your car. This makes it more challenging for thieves to disguise the identity of your vehicle. Some insurance companies offer discounts for vehicles with this added layer of security.
Additional Tips for Africans
Here are some additional tips you may consider, which can help in both recovery and theft prevention.
Understand Local Crime Trends
Be aware of common car theft methods in your area, such as carjacking or key theft. Understanding these trends can help you take more targeted precautions. In some regions, it might be common for thieves to use sophisticated technology to bypass car security systems.
So, what has been happening in Acra, Lagos, and Abidjan lately? How are the thefts carried out? Understanding this can go a long way toward helping you.
Inform Neighbors and Local Businesses
Share information with your community to increase awareness. Distribute flyers with details about your stolen car and ask your neighbors to keep an eye out. Local businesses, especially those with security cameras, can also be valuable allies. Building a network of eyes on the lookout can significantly boost your chances of recovery.
Check Towing Companies
Contact local towing companies to see if your vehicle has been impounded. Sometimes, stolen cars are abandoned and subsequently towed. Regularly checking with these companies can help you recover your vehicle more quickly. Provide them with your vehicle’s details and ask them to notify you if a car matching the description is brought in.
Review Security Camera Footage
Check security cameras in your neighborhood or nearby businesses for any potential leads. If this is available. Footage from the time of the theft can provide crucial information, such as the direction the thieves went or identifying features of the culprits. Don’t hesitate to ask neighbors or local shop owners if they have cameras that might have captured useful footage.
Consider Professional Recovery Services
Some specialized companies offer vehicle recovery services. These professionals have the expertise and resources to track and recover stolen vehicles. While there may be a cost involved, their services can significantly increase the chances of recovering your car. They often work closely with law enforcement and use advanced technology to locate stolen vehicles.
