Usually thieves prefer the simple jobs, and choose vehicles that are parked in remote areas and have valuables in plain view. To avoid being an easy target, follow these five tips:

1. Choose your parking spot carefully. Always try to park in a busy, well-lit area where your car is easily seen from the store or restaurant. Try to avoid parking between two larger vehicles; up against bushes, dumpsters or fences; or in remote areas where thieves don’t run the risk of getting caught.
2. Hide your loot. Anything in clear view gives the thief a certain payoff for breaking in. That’s why you should hide all of your electronics, shopping bags and valuables under the seats or lock them in the trunk—or better yet take them into the store with you!
3. Lock the doors and roll up the windows. Even if you’re just running into the store for a minute to pay for gas or pick up your pizza, you should always roll up the windows and lock the door. (If you like to take your dog for rides, have an extra key made. That way, you can roll up the windows and keep the air conditioning on for your pup while you run into the store with your second key.)
4. Don’t store your home address in your GPS. Although it sounds like the stuff of urban legends, some drivers have had their GPS stolen, their home address has been identified and then the thieves have gone and cleaned out the house as well. That’s why you should instead store the address of a nearby intersection or even your neighborhood grocery store under “Home.” Better yet, take your hand-held GPS device with you instead of leaving it in the car.
5. Install a car alarm. If your car starts beeping and wailing as soon as a thief tries to break into it, they won’t stick around for very long. Many car alarm systems also come with a “panic button” for your key fob—which could come in handy if a suspicious stranger approaches you while you’re entering your car.