Despite security at airport parking lots, most people have heard a story about someone who parked in the long-term parking lots and came back from vacation to find out their vehicle was broken into or stolen. While it does happen, many of these instances can be prevented. Those who are planning a trip can make sure they follow these tips to reduce the chance of a break-in or theft and to keep their vehicle safe while they’re away.
Choose the Right Parking Spot
Check out the various options for parking at your airport and look for a spot that’s more secure. Areas that are heavily patrolled by security guards or that have cameras set up are far more secure. Try to park the vehicle where it can be clearly seen on the security cameras instead of a parking space that might be partially or fully obscured. For added security, purchase a dashcam that can be turned on if there is damage to the vehicle so it will start recording if someone does try to break in and steal something.
Check the Car Before Leaving
Have the car checked out before leaving to ensure the tires do not have a slow leak? It can also help to ensure the vehicle is in good condition to be stored for a while. Another option is to learn how to disconnect the battery. Even if the vehicle is in good shape, disconnecting the battery helps make sure it won’t drain while the vehicle is parked at the airport. Plus, if the battery is disconnected, a potential thief will not be able to jump-start the vehicle.
Remove Everything Inside the Vehicle
Security experts suggest removing everything from inside the vehicle. If someone is walking through the parking lot and they can see something inside the vehicle, it might be tempting to break in and take it. The car should be completely empty and anything that does need to be left inside should be well hidden from view or placed in the trunk. Clean the car out before heading to the airport so there’s no need to look around for hiding spots after parking.
Lock All the Doors
Make sure all of the windows are up and the doors are all locked. This is something that should be double-checked before walking away from the vehicle and getting on the airplane. If a window is down, it’s easy for a thief to get inside and it makes other safety preparations pointless as the thief can just reach inside and take items from inside the vehicle. Most people will instinctively lock the doors before leaving, but it’s a good idea to double-check just to make sure the vehicle is locked so there’s no reason to worry during the trip.
Parking at the airport can be risky because of the potential for theft, but there are ways to keep the vehicle secure no matter how long it will be at the airport. Before heading out on a trip, keep these tips in mind to ensure the vehicle will be as safe as possible. When you prepare for long-term parking, find the right parking spot, clean out the vehicle, and ensure the windows are up and the doors are locked, it’s far less likely you’ll have an issue with someone trying to break in.
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