Do People Steal Dash Cams: 7 Ways to Keep It Safe
Dash cams have gained immense popularity among car owners for their ability to record footage during various driving situations. However, their increasing popularity has also caught the attention of thieves.
Many dash cams are not worth stealing for thieves, as they depreciate when they have already been used. But the main motive of thieves may not be the robbery but to delete the recorded evidence against them in that dash cam.
To help you protect your dash cam from thieves, we’ll explore the reasons behind dash cam theft — and provide you with practical tips on how to secure your dash cam. Let’s dive into the topic of dash cam theft and learn the ways to prevent your valuable device from being stolen!
Table of Contents
- The Phenomenon of Dash Cam Theft
- Reasons Behind Dash Cam Theft
- 7 Ways to Keep Your Dash Cam Safe
- Wrap-Up
- FAQs
The Phenomenon of Dash Cam Theft
Do dash cams get stolen? The question is obvious and has become a concerning issue for many car owners. Dash cams, designed to enhance driver safety and provide evidence in case of accidents, have unfortunately become a target for thieves. Incidents of dash cam theft have been reported in different locations, including parking lots, residential areas, and even public streets.
Reasons Behind Dash Cam Theft
Dash cams are often targeted by thieves for several reasons.
First of all, dash cams are designed to capture footage of criminals and to support the driver’s claim that they’re innocent and the other person caused the car accident. And when someone is exposed in your dash cam footage, they attempt to get that footage to erase it and delete the evidence against them. So people steal dash cam to avoid legal consequences. That’s why we recommend 3-layer dash cams for maximum protection and proof.
Moreover, dash cams can vary in price, with some high-end models offering advanced features. This makes them appealing targets for thieves who can sell them for a profit on the secondary market.
Another possibility is that they steal another pricey item and then also take the dash cam, in case it has recorded their faces and they are scared of being identified. That said, the small size and portability of dash cams make them easy to snatch without attracting much attention.
7 Ways to Keep Your Dash Cam Safe
Now that you know that people steal dash cams and understand the importance of safeguarding your dash cam, let’s explore 7 effective ways to keep it safe from theft:
1. Choose Secure Mounting Options
Opt for a dash cam mount that has anti-theft features. Look for mounts that require special tools or a unique key to remove the dash cam, making it more challenging for thieves to steal.
For example, you can use a locking suction cup mount that has a lockable lever and a key to release the dash cam. Alternatively, you can use a screw mount that attaches the dash cam to the windshield with screws that need a special screwdriver to remove. If you’re unsure where you can mount your dash cam, see our guide on the legal placement of dash cams.
2. Park Your Car in Well-Lit Areas
When parking your vehicle, select well-lit areas with good visibility. Thieves are less likely to target cars in well-lit locations, as there is a higher risk of getting caught or observed.
3. Hide Your Dash Cam
Consider placing your dash cam in a discreet location inside your vehicle. This makes it less visible to potential thieves passing by and reduces the temptation to steal it.
You can hide your dash cam behind the rearview mirror, making it blend in with the glass and the mirror. Alternatively, you can hide your dash cam under the sun visor so it is out of sight when the visor is down.
4. Utilize Inconspicuous Models
If possible, choose dash cam models that blend seamlessly into your car’s interior. This makes it less obvious to outsiders that you have a dash cam installed.
5. Lock Your Vehicle
Always remember to lock your car doors and close the windows when leaving your vehicle unattended. This basic precaution can deter opportunistic thieves from targeting your dash cam.
6. Use Surveillance Stickers
Display surveillance stickers on your vehicle’s windows. These stickers create the illusion that your car is under constant surveillance and discourage potential thieves.
7. Install a Security System
Consider investing in a comprehensive vehicle security system that includes an alarm and motion sensors. Such systems provide an additional layer of protection for your dash cam and overall vehicle security.
Wrap-Up
Quite rare, but dash cams get stolen – and there are practical measures you can take to protect your device. The suggested ways can help you keep your dash cam safe and protected from thieves. If your dash cam is secure, it ensures that your valuable footage and evidence remain secure.
Secure mounting, parking in visible areas, and displaying surveillance stickers are sure ways to give you the peace of mind that comes with knowing your dash cam is safe from theft. So follows these steps and issue a warning to the thieves!
FAQs
Dash cams primarily serve as video recording devices and are not specifically designed to prevent car theft. However, their presence may act as a deterrent to potential thieves.
Whether you should remove your dash cam when parked depends on your personal preference and the level of security you desire. Some dash cams have parking mode features that allow them to continue monitoring even when the vehicle is parked.
While some advanced dash cam models may include GPS tracking capabilities, the majority of dash cams do not have built-in trackers. However, you can pair your dash cam with external GPS modules for tracking purposes.
If your dash cam gets stolen, report the theft to the local authorities and provide any relevant information. Contact your insurance provider to check if dash cam theft is covered under your policy.
