We all love a good shopping spree, but unfortunately, it also comes with its fair share of risks. One of the most common concerns is car theft, which can leave you less keen to leave your car parked in public places. Unfortunately, this is a real concern in South Africa, with vehicles being stolen while parked at shopping malls, retail centres.
But, you don’t need to worry, as there are several steps you can take to safeguard your car while you're out ticking off your shopping list. In this article, we’ll share some simple tips to keep your car secure during shopping trips. Plus, we'll show you how Cartrack’s advanced tracking and security technology can add an extra layer of protection.
Shopping trips should be something you look forward to, but car theft is a real concern in South Africa. Recent SAPS car theft statistics reveal that over 10,000 cars are stolen each quarter in 2024, making it vital to take extra precautions.
Simple actions, like parking in well-lit areas, keeping valuables out of sight, and using tools like Cartrack’s GPS tracking, can go a long way in protecting your vehicle. By staying vigilant and prepared, you can enjoy your shopping with peace of mind. Here are some practical tips to keep your car safe
It’s no secret that criminals prefer to operate in the shadows, so one of the best ways to deter them is by parking in a well-lit, high-traffic area. The more eyes on your vehicle, the less likely it is to be targeted. Shopping malls and retail centres often have designated parking spots close to entrances, which offer great visibility and security.
When possible, park in car parks that have visible security measures, like CCTV cameras or regular patrols by security personnel. These not only make your vehicle less appealing to thieves but also provide an added layer of safety for you.
Before heading into the shops, take a moment to locate the emergency exits in the car park. Being familiar with these can make all the difference if you ever need to leave the area quickly or avoid a potentially unsafe situation.
It may sound obvious, but you'd be surprised how many people forget this simple step. Always make sure your car is locked, no matter how briefly you're stepping away. Thieves don’t need long to break into your vehicle. Also, never leave valuables like bags, gadgets, or shopping items visible inside. If you need to, tuck them away in the boot or glove compartment.
Even if you take all the right precautions, sometimes car theft can still happen. That’s where Cartrack comes in. With our live GPS tracking, you can monitor your vehicle’s location in real-time, giving you peace of mind no matter where you are. If someone tries to move or steal your car, you’ll get an instant alert, enabling a quicker response.
Our GPS solution allows you to track your vehicle from anywhere, so you’ll always know where it is. If the worst happens and your car is stolen, Cartrack can pinpoint its location for a swift recovery.
CarWatch is a Value Added Service that gives you peace of mind while you shop, providing 24/7 protection for your vehicle and is easily accessible on the Mobile App. Once activated, CarWatch keeps an eye on your car and sends you real-time alerts directly to your phone if it detects any unusual activity, like tampering, being moved, or even being towed. This way, you’re always in the know, so you can act quickly if anything unexpected happens.
Cartrack’s Geofencing feature is an easy-to-use tool that provides an added layer of protection. By creating a virtual boundary around specific locations, like your parking space. You will receive instant alerts if your car leaves the designated zone. This is especially helpful if you're leaving your car in a public parking lot or potentially high-risk area, giving you a heads-up if your vehicle is moved.
While technology plays a huge role in protecting your car, adding physical anti-theft devices can further strengthen its security. Items like steering wheel locks, pedal locks, and immobilisers can make it much harder for criminals to drive away with your vehicle, especially when used alongside Cartrack’s solutions.
Personal awareness is one of the most effective ways to avoid becoming a victim of car theft. When you're walking to and from your car, stay alert and keep an eye out for suspicious activity. If something feels off, don’t hesitate to find a different parking spot or ask mall security to keep an eye on your vehicle.
Larger vehicles like SUVs and vans can obscure your car from view, creating a cover for criminals to operate unnoticed. Instead, try to park in open spaces where your car is visible or in the view of security cameras.
With the holiday season around the corner, a spike in shopping activity is expected, with busier malls and overcrowded car parks creating more opportunities for theft.
Here are some additional precautions to keep you and your vehicle safe while doing holiday shopping:
At Cartrack, we offer a range of solutions designed to provide your vehicle with maximum security. Here’s how our system works to keep your car safe:
With these features, Cartrack ensures that your car is safe whether you're shopping, running errands, or simply out for a drive.
Protecting your car has never been easier. With Cartrack’s advanced tracking and security solutions, you’ll always have peace of mind knowing your vehicle is in safe hands. Whether it’s through GPS tracking, driver behaviour monitoring, or our comprehensive security tools, Cartrack gives you the control and confidence you need.
Don’t wait for the worst to happen, safeguard your car today with Cartrack’s trusted technology—it’s a simple step that makes a big difference.
Q: How can I tell if Cartrack’s tracking system is right for me?
A: Whether you own a single vehicle or a fleet, Cartrack’s flexible solutions can be tailored to your needs. Our tracking systems are easy to install and offer the level of security you require.
Q: How do I set up Geofencing on my Cartrack system?
A: Setting up Geofencing is simple. Log into your Cartrack account, create a virtual boundary around your desired area, and get instant alerts when your vehicle moves outside that zone.
Keep your car safe while shopping with these simple tips. Learn how Cartrack's advanced security technology can protect your vehicle from theft.
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