How to prevent your car getting broken into

Our Master locksmiths offer critical insights to stop your car from getting stolen

If you own a car, you’ve probably had that thought — what if someone tries to break in? We get it. As Master locksmiths who’ve been keeping Tasmanians secure for more than three decades, we see the same pattern play out time and again. A thief doesn’t need to plan it out. Most vehicle theft happens in a matter of seconds, and the vehicle owners are left wondering how it happened so fast.

The truth is, these aren’t professional criminals. They’re opportunists, wandering through car parks or quiet driveways, testing door handles and peering through windows. One unlocked door or visible phone is all it takes for a night to go sideways. We’ve seen the aftermath too many times: stolen vehicles, smashed glass, glove boxes tipped out, and frustrated people who just want to get to work the next morning.

This guide is here to make sure that doesn’t happen to you. It’s written from the real-world experience of our locksmiths, who know protection isn’t about expensive gadgets or false promises. It’s about understanding how break-ins actually happen and what simple, practical steps stop them cold. We’ll help you recognise weak spots, strengthen them, and build habits that keep your car safe wherever you park it.

Whether you drive a work ute or the family sedan, this is everything you need to keep it secure, from our team that’s been doing exactly that for Tasmanians since 1989.

How to prevent car break-ins at home and on the street

Here in Tasmania, most car break-ins don’t happen in dodgy backstreets — they happen right outside your home. According to the RACT, one in five Tasmanians admits they sometimes leave their car unlocked when it’s parked at home. That’s one in five wide-open invitations. Add to that the RACT’s report that car thefts among their insurance members have jumped by more than 90% since 2022, and you can see how quickly a bad habit turns into a broken window.

Thieves don’t need to be clever; they just need a quiet moment. The good news is, it’s easy to stop them. Below are the effective ways to prevent it, straight from the jobs we’ve worked and the lessons locals have learned the hard way.

Keeping your car safe at home

Your driveway and garage are the easiest places for a thief to get lucky. Cars sit there for hours, often unlocked and out of sight. A few small changes can make a big difference in protecting your vehicle.

• Keep it bright: Park somewhere well-lit. A motion light over the drive or a sensor floodlight does more to deter thieves than most alarms.
• Shut the garage: Even when you’re home. We’ve turned up to too many jobs where someone left it open “for a minute.” That’s all it takes.
• Clear the view: Trim bushes and move bins that block sightlines from the street. If you can see your car, so can a neighbour.
• Set a routine: Lock the car, close the doors, switch on the lights — same order, every night. Simple habits are the best security system you’ll ever own.

Staying alert in car parks and on the street

Away from home, thieves look for cars parked in quiet corners of car parks where no one’s watching. They want time and cover. Don’t give them either.

• Pick your spot: Park under lights or near foot traffic. Cameras, shopfronts and open spaces are all good deterrents.
• Face the street: A car facing out looks occupied and harder to approach unnoticed.
• Keep it empty: Loose change, bags, and phone cables draw attention fast. Don’t tempt anyone.
• Show you mean business: Steering locks, alarm lights, or dash cams deter thieves before they try their luck.

Good habits that stop break-ins anywhere

It doesn’t matter if you’re at home, the shops, or work. These small, consistent steps are what actually keep your car safe.

• Always lock up, even if you’re only stepping away for a minute.
• Never leave your keys or garage remote in the car.
• Keep spare keys out of sight and away from doors or windows.
• Mix light, locks and habit. That combination beats most thieves before they even try.

We’ve seen every excuse under the sun after a break-in: “I was home,” “it was just for a minute,” “I never thought it’d happen here.” The truth is, it happens anywhere there’s an opportunity. Make your car the one that looks like too much work.

Upgrade your security with expert help

We fit and repair high-quality anti-theft devices that actually stop thieves, not just slow them down. Our locksmiths know how to help protect everything from older cars to vehicles equipped with smart locks and keyless systems, and every job is done with the care that comes from decades on the tools. If you’re ready to toughen up your security, take a look at our car locksmith services in Hobart.

Car theft prevention and safety tips every driver should know

Technology’s come a long way, but thieves keep up with it. Modern anti-theft systems, alarms, and gps devices can track and secure your car in clever ways, but they only work as well as the person using them. That’s where experience and consistency matter.

In this section, we’ll walk through two things that make the biggest difference: understanding smart tech and building good habits. From using tools like steering wheel locks, dash cams, and gps tracking, to choosing the right deterrent and maintenance routine, you’ll see the simple way to deter trouble before it starts.

Smart tech awareness

Technology has changed the way we keep cars secure — and the way thieves try to beat them. We’ve seen every trick in the book, from dodgy DIY immobilisers to stolen diagnostics gear bought online. Here are the most common high-tech problems we’re seeing on the job, and how to fix them before they happen.

Problem: Signal hacking through key fobs
How it happens: Thieves use radio scanners to intercept the signal from your keyless entry fob. One holds a relay near your house, another stands by your car. The devices talk to each other, tricking the vehicle into thinking the key’s right beside it. We’ve seen this work through front windows and even thin walls.
Solution: Store your keys well away from entry points and put them in a Faraday pouch that blocks the signal completely. Keep spare keys separate, and avoid hanging them near the door. For long-term parking, disable keyless mode altogether. Most systems let you do that with a button sequence.

Problem: OBD port attacks
How it happens: The OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) port is a diagnostic plug every car has under the dash. It gives access to everything, including the ignition code. Thieves plug in a cheap programmer to clone a key or remotely disable the engine. We’ve repaired cars where they cut through trim panels or spliced cables trying to reach it.
Solution: Fit an OBD lock cover or have a locksmith relocate the socket. It’s a ten-minute job that blocks a ten-second hack. We can also fit circuit interrupters that stop the port from communicating unless a hidden switch is flipped.

Problem: Poor-quality aftermarket alarms
How it happens: We see plenty of budget alarms and immobilisers from online stores. They claim to be “universal,” but most aren’t tested for local conditions. Wiring corrosion, false alarms, and shorted fuses are common.
Solution: Use proven anti-theft systems from reputable brands, fitted by licensed locksmiths or auto electricians. Quality gear integrates cleanly with your wiring and doesn’t void warranties. It may cost more up front, but you only fit it once.

Problem: Relying on tech alone
How it happens: People assume GPS and smart alarms make them untouchable, then park anywhere. But GPS only helps after the car’s gone, and smart systems can still be jammed or unplugged.
Solution: Layer your defences. Use visible deterrents like steering wheel locks, motion lights, or cameras. Combining smart gear with simple deterrent tools is the best way to deter thieves and protect your investment.

Bottom line: No setup is foolproof, but a smart system backed by solid hardware and good habits is the closest you’ll get. It’s what we fit on our own cars, and it’s what we recommend to anyone serious about keeping theirs safe.

Everyday habits that make the biggest difference

We’ve been fitting and fixing locks long enough to know the small stuff is the real winner. Here are hard-won tips from the job that go beyond “lock it” advice — practical, specific and ones we actually tell customers when we’re standing by their car.

• Lock the doors every time. That’s not a suggestion. Always lock and lock your car properly. Don’t just press the fob and walk off. Wait for the click, pull the handle, give the door a tug. If it doesn’t feel solid, it isn’t.
• Avoid leaving anything visible. Don’t tempt anyone. Avoid leaving bags, cables or boxes on the seat. Put chargers and cables in the boot or take them with you. We still see smashed windows where the thief only took loose change. Loose change in the cup holder is an invitation.
• Don’t leave valuables in the glove box. The glove box is one of the first places a thief checks. Don’t leave laptops, wallets or work tools there. If you must stash something, lock it in the boot out of sight.
• Never leave your car keys unattended. Leaving spares in the car or by the front door is common and costly. Leave your car keys unattended once, and you will probably regret it. Keep spares in a drawer inside the house, not hanging by the entry.
• Don’t leave keys or remotes in reach of the window. If your fob sits on a hall table behind a glass panel, it is easy to copy or grab. Leave your keys somewhere well away from doors and windows, and consider a simple signal-blocking pouch at home.
• Hide phones and laptops before you step away. Those mobile phones and laptop bags are a thief’s prize. If you must leave them in the car for a short while, lock them in the boot and cover them so they cannot be seen.
• Park where people can see you. Pick spots with foot traffic or lights. You never know who is watching, and that’s exactly what keeps a thief moving on.
• Make a quick visual check before you walk off. Look through windows: no bags on seats, no charger cables dangling from the dash, no open windows. That five-second check is one of the best car protection tips we give.

These are simple, low-cost moves that help your safety immediately. Do them every time and you remove the easy wins for car thieves.

How to protect your car from break-ins with expert locksmith help

When it comes to keeping your car secure, it’s not about luck. It’s about trust, craftsmanship, and attention to detail. At Tasmanian Mobile Locksmith, we’ve been helping locals stay safe since 1989. We know how thieves think, how locks fail, and how to fix small issues before they become costly ones. Our job is simple: make your vehicle security stronger, smoother, and far less appealing to would-be thieves.

Here’s why Tasmanians trust our car locksmiths to protect their cars from theft:

• Licensed Master Locksmiths: Every job is handled by qualified, accredited experts who understand both mechanical and electronic locking systems.
• Fully mobile service: We come to you anywhere across Southern Tasmania with everything needed to service, repair, or upgrade your locks on the spot.
• Local knowledge and honest advice: After decades on the road, we know which theft prevention methods actually work in Tasmanian conditions and which ones are just noise.
• Precision workmanship: We rebuild worn ignition barrels, replace damaged cables, and rekey locks by VIN, restoring factory performance without the dealership markup.
• Quality parts and fittings: We use anti-theft screws, reinforced safe plates, and tamper-proof number plates that stop thieves fast.
• Quiet, discreet service: We do things properly and discreetly, treating every vehicle as if it were our own. There are no shortcuts, no fuss, and no damage.

No system is ever truly foolproof, but strong locks, reliable gear, and expert fitting make all the difference. That’s what we’ve built our name on. If you want the kind of vehicle security that lasts, skip the big auto shops and call the locals who’ve been earning trust the hard way for more than three decades.

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