Should I lock my car doors?

[tkruger]

Knowing how easy it is to break into these cars is it better to leave them unlocked when in a safer area or not? Why I am asking is that were I often park the only issues they have had is people who have their cars occasionally broken into and things stolen from within such as CDs change and other grab and go items. The cost to repair the damage from breaking in is higher than the items lost. My thought was that if the door was unlocked the window would not be broken, paint scratched etc. I keep nothing in sight in the car and the radio has a removable face-plate.

Overnight I do lock my doors on my 1987 Monte Carlo LS every time.

 

[pow3rwagon]

Your thinking logically and that's the problem. There are 2 types that break into cars ones that check the handle and ones thay don't. I'd say since you don't leave anything of anykind of value in the car you shold ne alight. Usually cars are only broken into when they see something of value.

 

[Clone TIE Pilot]

You could leave the car unlocked but a thief may not even try the handle and just go straight to breaking the glass anyway.

 

[pontiacgp]

In Australia, Quebec and a few other places you get a fine if your don't lock your car door. Just wondering if you leave your keys in the ignition so they don't smash your column getting the car started. Also do you leave your house or apartment doors unlocked?

 

[tkruger]

I do not leave the keys. I was just thinking about the locations that I know the only issue they have had for years is stolen contents. My other vehicle I lock since it is difficult to open the door when locked. I could open the Monte Carlos though with a coat hanger if I was not afraid of damaging something else.

 

[mac61891]

I, personally, don't lock my doors. I have had a radio stolen, once a long time ago and it was cheaper than the glass that could have been broken had it been locked. I am not sure it really matters. If someone is intent on breaking in, they will. I leave very little of value in my cars so they are not going to get much. And, Yes, I do leave my house unlocked.

 

[dr..mach]

Lock the doors. After having lived in Memphis for several years I feel I speak from experience. You are correct that the best thing is to not have anything visible, nor to have the appearance that there may possibly be something hidden in your car.