Theft-proof your car

Since Jan. 1, the Fort Wayne Police Department has investigated hundreds of car break-ins and stolen vehicles. Specifically, they’ve responded to 660 reports of items being taken from inside vehicles and 184 reports involving cars themselves.

Those are staggering numbers, if you ask us. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to safeguard your car and its contents.

1. Lock up – even in your own drive way. A car with unlocked doors is a quick target.

2. Park inside. If you have access to a garage, use it. If you don’t, look for well-lit street parking.

3. Don’t leave valuable items – or things that appear to be valuable – in plain sight. An empty cardboard box featuring a high-ticket stereo system could trigger a break-in just as quickly as the item itself.

4. Take advantage of car alarms and other theft deterrents. Alarms, steering wheel locks and ignition kill switches add an extra layer of protection.