Car vandalism is not something anyone wants to ever have to experience. It is unfortunately a risk we face constantly as we expose our cars to new places and environments. Vandalism, as a deliberate act that causes damage to a vehicle, means there was likely malice behind the act, which makes it increasingly more upsetting. Someone may have been unhappy with how you parked, hold some sort of personal vendetta against you, or simply just want to do something harmful and reckless to someone. Regardless of the reason, vandalism is something that leaves victims to have to pick up the literal and metaphorical pieces. 

While there is no 100% foolproof way to guarantee you’ll never be a victim of vandalism, there are some steps you can take to lower your chances. 

1. Use Your Garage

If you are someone living in a home with an enclosed garage, either attached or not, the best option to prevent vandalism is to park your car in the garage. This will lower people’s accessibility to your car, which will make it significantly harder for them to vandalize it. 

2. Park in a Well-Lit Area 

If you are someone who is NOT living in a home with an enclosed garage, your next best option is to keep your car parked in a well-lit area. By remaining in a well-lit area, you increase the visibility levels of your car, which oftentimes acts as a deterrent for those considering vandalism. 

3. Install Cameras

If your car is truly irreplaceable, it is in your best interest to install CCTV cameras set up to monitor where you park your car. Having noticeable security cameras set up often wards off people from even attempting to vandalize, but this also helps in case someone decides to do something, you have a higher chance at finding them. 

4.  Install an Alarm

Many new cars come with a built-in security alarm. If your car is one that does not have one yet, we highly suggest you install one. It often scares off vandals as well, but acts as a loud notifier if anyone still decides to vandalize your car. 

5. Remove/Hide Any Valuables

A common enticer for someone to vandalize a car is when they can see something valuable sitting in the car through a window. This could be anything from a purse, wallet, phone, or just about anything that seems to be of value. An easy way to not invite vandals is by having all valuables tucked away and not visible through the window, or just not residing in the car at all. 

6. Install a Dash Camera

Dash cameras don’t have to just be for police anymore. You can install your own dash camera and record from your car’s POV any attempts to vandalize your car. A dash camera is also recognizable enough that vandals who notice it may think twice about attempting to damage your property.

7. Make Sure All Windows Are Up 

While this may be a pretty obvious one, it does still get overlooked often. Every time when leaving your car, double check you rolled all windows up. With them all fully up, you may be able to save your car from attack. 

Whether parking in front of your house, going to the store, or going around a city, anytime you leave your car unattended, you leave it at risk of being vandalized. We highly suggest proceeding with proper caution to prevent any severe damage from happening to your car.