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because thieves would smash the windows instead! which of course begs the question, why bother with unlocked cars if any car is equally a target? (rolling prob

• nkrisc 11y ago
  Because an unlocked car is a situation that can be addressed while a locked car is one that can not, likely reducing the overall number occurrences. Also, an unlocked car is a lower barrier for a potential thief as well. They may choose to pass up a locked car while an unlocked is a much easier target.
  • dragonwriter 11y ago
    > Because an unlocked car is a situation that can be addressed while a locked car is one that can not They could, by the same logic by which they steal (er, "confiscate") goods that are visible in unlocked cars, just tow away locked cars that have visible goods in them that are an "invitation to thieves". Or, for that matter, locked or unlocked cars that, by their value and ease of theft are, themselves, "invitations to thieves".
    • mikeash 11y ago
      Or they could get one of those key fob repeaters to unlock any car with a keyless entry system if the owner is nearby.
    • kelnos 11y ago
      I doubt it. From the description of the "caretaker law" presented in the article, it only allows for this sort of behavior for an unlocked vehicle. They wouldn't have grounds to tow a locked vehicle because leaving valuables in plain sight in a locked vehicle, while stupid, isn't a crime.