If you’ve ever had your car stolen you will know one thing: it really sucks. First, there is the moment when you arrive where you think your car was and should be. There is that immediate moment of asking yourself, “did I park my car here?” before the rush of anxiety that comes with realising that yes, your car has been stolen.

Then there is the rigmarole that comes with it: calling the cops, dealing with insurance agencies, maybe or maybe not getting your car back. This can drag on for months without much update from the authorities, insurance companies, CCTV providers etc.

So, at the end of the day, it is best to implement a few safety features to ensure your car won’t be stolen and, if it is, that you will know exactly where it is.

Here are four ways to ensure your car will always end up back in your driveway:

1. GPS tracking device

Car tracking devices are one of the best after-theft assistance you can have in your corner. Sure, sometimes we can do everything possible to stop our car from being stolen, but sometimes the most brazen thieves will go ahead and do it anyway.

Luckily for us non-car thieves, technology has come a very long way since the days of having your car stolen and hoping for it to turn up after a possible joyride. You can now install incredibly useful GPS tracking devices that will tell you exactly where your car is at all times.

Ease to hide and extremely efficient, all you have to do in the event of a theft is show the car’s location to the authorities and they will take care of the rest!

2. Car alarm systems

You can never underestimate a car alarm system. Seriously, nothing is a greater deterrent for a would be thief than having a giant alarm blaring in their ears whilst they’re trying to hotwire your ride.

Not only this, an efficient car alarm system will alert neighbours to the break in. Let’s face it: a car alarm going off in the dead of night can usually only mean one thing - a theft - so it’s best to have one of these systems installed to stop wannabe thieves in their tracks.

3. Keep your car in a safe spot

Okay, now onto the Captain Obvious stuff, but it could make all the difference! Naturally, your car will be much safer in your home’s garage or even your apartment complex’s carport than out on the street. If you have caught wind of people stealing cars in the area or if the area is known for theft, then it is always a good idea to try and park the car in as safe a spot as possible, ensuring it’s not parked in a poorly lit spot that will cover potential thieves in darkness.

4. Store your keys somewhere safe at home

Many car thieves steal cars once they have already accessed the home. Naturally, you should keep your home locked when in bed or when you’re away from the entrances, but regardless it is never a bad idea to store your car keys in an unseen spot.

This may sound a bit ridiculous, but if your home is ever targeted for a break in then it would be pretty easy for the thief or thieves to steal your car, too! So, keep those keys in your room or in a draw where they can’t be ripped off by some scumbag who is already trying to rob your house...