Do you suspect that someone has been in your car?
If so, then this article may help conclude if that is the case.
As you’ll see there are some tell-tale signs of this that are easy to notice if you pay a bit more attention.
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SIGNS THAT SOMEONE HAS BEEN IN YOUR CAR
1. LOOK CLOSELY AT THE EXTERIOR OF THE CAR
If you suspect that someone has been in or around your car start paying more attention to the exterior of the car.
Some telltale signs may be barely visible, for instance, scratches or chipped paint that wasn’t there before.
It can also be much more obvious like missing hubcaps, a missing car antenna, a lowered window, or else.
This is a red flag and you should immediately pay more attention to the problem.
2. CHECK THE DOOR LOCKS AND HANDLES
Next, take a look at all the door handles.
In order to enter the car the door handles have to be tampered with (unless the car has been left unlocked).
Pay attention to scratches around the handle and when you open the door take a look around the lock mechanism for any kind of scratches or dents.
3. CHECK UNDER THE CAR
If you notice these previous signs that someone has been in your car then the car’s undercarriage is worth checking also.
Take a short glimpse under the car if everything is in place, especially the catalytic converter.
4. INSPECT YOUR POSSESSIONS
Another common telltale sign is within the interior.
We all have usual places for keys, spare change, an umbrella perhaps, or else.
If this is not in its usual place and is moved around someone has definitely been inside your car.
Especially check the trunk to see if everything is in place since many of us keep valuable tools and equipment in there.
5. LOOK AROUND THE INTERIOR
If you’ve noticed the previous signs that someone has been in your car, it is best to make a quick inspection of the passenger cabin.
Take a look for leftover things that usually aren’t there, like tools, perhaps paper wrappings, and else.
Check if the floor mats have been moved, if they are dirty perhaps, if any of the seats have been moved, and check the plastic trimming mainly the door panels for scratches, and other damage.
Check for stains or traces on the windows or seats
Also check the steering wheel, buttons, knobs, and levers.
See if they are in the same place that you usually leave them when getting out of the car.
6. UNUSUAL SMELLS AND ODORS
Finally, if you sense an unusual smell or odor when you enter the car then this is probably one of the definitive signs that someone has been in your car.
This will be easy to notice especially if you keep the car interior clean and tidy.
The smell of food, body odor, deodorant, perhaps tobacco smoke, or else are some of the most common signs.
Especially if you’re not acquainted with any of them.
CONCLUSION
Needless to say, before sounding off the alarm and confirming that someone has been in your car check with anybody else who has access to the car.
Ask your spouse, kids, family, friends, or other people if they have been around the car without telling you.
If that checks out OK, then you should definitely be more careful and pay attention to anybody approaching your car or tampering with it.
In that case, maybe security cameras should be considered as the best option for seeing what’s going on.
Written by: Sibin Spasojevic
Former car technician, life-long car and DIY enthusiast, author for Despairrepair.com
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