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Five things you should never leave in your car
There are some items that you should never leave in your vehicle especially on hot days and to avoid attracting thieves.
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Even if your doors are locked, thieves can find ways to grab your belongings. (Shutterstock/kasarp studio)
Many people like to leave certain items in their car so they can access them easily.
However, there are some items you should never leave in your vehicle especially on hot days and to avoid attracting thieves, as compiled by Reader´s Digest.
Medication
Medication needs to be at room temperature otherwise it could become less effective. Even if high temperatures are not directly harmful to your pills, make sure to bring them with you or even better leave them at home.
Even when parked in the shade your car will heat up fast.
Electronics
Because of their value, laptops, cell phones and thumb drives attract every thief´s attention. Your personal information might be in danger as well.
Therefore, when leaving your electronic devices in the car make sure to encrypt your data as this method is more secure than simple password protection. “It´s a strong layer of protection and would need someone putting a fair amount of effort into it to view,” Eva Velasquez, CEO and president of Identity Theft Resource Center explained.
Read also: Five important things to consider before buying a car
Handbags
Clearly visible purses and wallets are likely to be stolen. Make sure to always take them with you, as not only money but also your ID card or credit cards could be used for nefarious ends.
Even if your doors are locked, thieves can find ways to grab your belongings. “It doesn´t matter if the alarm goes off,” Velasquez warned.
Important documents
The same goes for all your personal documents. When you do not want anyone to have access to your vulnerable information do not bring it with you. Leaving your documents at home or in the office is safer than leaving them in a car.
If you want to shred them anyway, do it in the first instance.
Groceries
When you are out and about buying groceries is the last thing you should do. It is recommended to put perishable food in the fridge within two hours, even earlier in summer.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, food should never be left out for more than an hour if it is more than 32 degrees Celsius. (sop/kes)
