Skip to main content

Today's Poll: Do you lock your car at night?

By Howard B. Owens
kathie nichols

Locking your car dosen't deter the thieves at all They just do much more damage to get in. Broken windows,messing with the locks and handles and scratching the car all up. It only yakes them a few seconds and the job is done. so it really doesn't matter.If you have a loud security system that will work.

Aug 10, 2009, 1:30pm Permalink
Howard B. Owens

Almost all, if not all, of the recent car break-ins have been against unlocked cars. There is a certain class of thieves who seek only crimes of opportunity. Breaking into a car carries risks -- noise, more time on scene, car alarms, etc. -- that the opportunity of an unlocked car doesn't present.

Leaving your car unlocked is like hanging a sign out: "Please steal anything inside that isn't bolted in."

As you note, locking your car doesn't ensure you won't be ripped off, but right now, with this thief or thieves out there, leaving your car unlocked is just dumb, unless you want to get ripped off or just don't care.

Aug 10, 2009, 1:47pm Permalink
Bea McManis

...or unless, like they did during the garbage strike in Detroit, put something in your car you REALLY want to toss. Just keep the doors unlocked. Wrap it up like a present or make it otherwise attractive and let the theives get rid of it for you.

Aug 10, 2009, 3:00pm Permalink
Kelly Hansen

Many years ago when we lived in Byron we used to leave the cars unlocked - UNTIL one night someone stole everything that was in sight. They neglected to take the cash that was in the ashtray. They took a cellphone, Swiss Army knife and other things which slip my mind and left the cash behind.

Lock your cars, folks. Unless you have some junk you want to get off your hands...

Aug 10, 2009, 3:05pm Permalink
Gary Diegelman

Locks keep people honest. Thats why they put locks on cars to use them. I agree with Howard these thefts are an act for opportunists. If they have to make noise and break glass and be near the crime scene a few extra minutes making it easier to get caught they usually won't. If they can get a quick snatch and grab and take your GPS or cell phone they will. Locked or not DON'T leave your wallet/purse inside with credit cards and ID.

Aug 10, 2009, 6:21pm Permalink

Authentically Local