The Guardia Civil issued an important warning to all drivers in Spain about the risks of leaving certain items in the glove compartment of their car .
Although it may seem like a common and risk-free practice, this action can jeopardize both the security of your vehicle and your home, especially if keys are left behind that could be stolen by criminals.
One of the most common mistakes drivers make is keeping their house keys in the glove compartment, especially when leaving the vehicle parked for long periods, such as during holidays.
This practice can be extremely dangerous, as thieves who gain access to the car can use the keys and vehicle documents, such as insurance or invoices, to obtain the owner’s address and can then easily gain access to their home.
Consequences of a robbery without evidence
This official statement emphasises that if criminals find house keys in the car, they could enter your house without arousing suspicion . This means the owners could return from holiday without noticing any signs of forced entry, as the thieves would have gained access using the original keys .
Furthermore, this type of robbery is especially dangerous because it leaves no visible clues to entry, which could delay detection of the incident.
The glove compartment is an accessible space for thieves, even if the car is locked. With the keys in the glove box, a thief can easily start the engine and steal the car.
Tips to prevent robberies
- Do not leave valuables in the car , especially keys , important documents or electronic devices.
- If you absolutely must keep something valuable in your vehicle, make sure it’s hidden from view to avoid attracting the attention of potential criminals.
- When parking for long periods, take all valuables with you, including house keys and documents .
Maybe leave a set of spare keys with a family member, friend or neighbour.
Do not leave valuables in plain view in the vehicle, such as handbags or backpacks, so as not to attract the attention of potential criminals.
Source El Observador