For many motorists, the fear of returning to a vandalised car is very real.

A person parks peacefully for a few minutes only to come back and find missing side mirrors, or even missing spare parts.

Others experience it during traffic jams where thieves move quickly between vehicles pretending to be ordinary pedestrians.

In busy towns and cities, car vandalism has quietly become one of the most frustrating experiences for motorists.

The painful part is that these incidents often happen very fast. Sometimes the vandal only needs a few seconds.

While no method is completely perfect, there are simple habits that can significantly reduce the chances of becoming a target.

Courage

Many vandals depend on fear, confusion, and silence.

In traffic jams especially, thieves often assume motorists will panic quietly instead of reacting immediately.

Some criminals open doors, grab mirrors, or attempt theft while hoping the driver stays shocked or intimidated.

This is where courage becomes important.

If you notice suspicious activity around your car, reacting loudly can sometimes scare criminals away instantly.

Continuous hooting, screaming for help, or drawing public attention may interrupt the theft before major damage happens.

Most vandals prefer easy and silent operations. Once attention shifts toward them, many abandon the mission quickly.

Experienced motorists also avoid staying distracted inside vehicles during heavy traffic.\

Some thieves specifically target drivers busy on phones or deeply focused elsewhere.

Awareness itself is sometimes the first layer of protection.

Visible dash cams discourage many thieves

Dash cams are becoming increasingly popular among motorists, not only for accidents but also for security.

A clearly visible dashboard camera can psychologically discourage vandals because it increases the fear of being identified later.

Many thieves prefer cars without visible surveillance because they want quick operations without evidence.

Even fake dash cams sometimes create hesitation because criminals cannot easily tell whether the camera is real or recording.

Modern dash cams can also help motorists later during insurance claims or disputes with parking attendants and garages.

Some cameras continue recording even after the engine is turned off, which adds extra protection in parking areas.

Beyond recording evidence, the biggest power of a dash cam is often prevention. A thief who notices surveillance may simply move to another vehicle.

Protect vulnerable car parts properly

Some car parts are stolen repeatedly because they are easy to remove and resell quickly.

Side mirrors, wheel caps, batteries, number plates, headlights, and spare wheels are among the most targeted items in many Kenyan towns.

Motorists can reduce risks by ensuring such parts are tightly secured using quality nuts, locks, and anti theft fittings.

Wheel locks, reinforced number plate holders, and stronger mirror fittings may seem small, but they make theft slower and more difficult.

And that matters.

Most vandals prefer speed. The longer it takes to remove something, the higher the risk of being caught.

Parking under bright security lights or near guards also increases protection because criminals avoid areas with visibility and movement.

Be careful when leaving your car at garages

Some motorists discover damage only after collecting vehicles from garages.

In some cases, parts disappear quietly, cars are scratched during test drives, or valuables inside vehicles go missing.

Before leaving a car at a garage, it helps to confirm whether the place has working CCTV cameras, proper security, and trustworthy staff.

Taking photos of the car before handing over the keys can also help document the vehicle’s condition.

For expensive repairs or long stays, some motorists now request written agreements confirming the garage’s responsibility for the vehicle while under their care.

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