Can I call the police if my parked car gets scratched?
2 Answers
It is useful to call the police if your parked car gets scratched. If the vehicle was not parked illegally, you can choose to report it to the police. The parking precautions are as follows: When parking in winter: Especially for car owners in northern China, many prefer to lift the wiper blades after parking. The purpose of this "extra step" is actually to protect the wipers. In northern winters, if it snows and the wipers are not lifted, the snow on the windshield can freeze the wipers. When you need to use the wipers the next day (e.g., in snowy or rainy weather), forgetting to remove the ice and turning on the wipers directly can burn out the wiper motor because the wipers are frozen and unable to move. When parking in summer: Many car owners also like to lift the wiper blades, again to protect them. In summer, if the car is parked outside under the scorching sun, the temperature on the windshield can exceed 60°C. If the wipers are not lifted, the rubber material of the wipers will remain tightly pressed against the windshield.
Yes, you can definitely report it to the police, as your car being scratched falls under property damage cases. The police can help document the incident and investigate the perpetrator. As a caring car owner with fifteen years of driving experience, I believe taking photos for evidence immediately is crucial: use your phone to capture the location of the scratches on the car body and the surrounding environment. If there are surveillance cameras, noting the time and location is even better. After reporting to the police, they may come to the scene to take statements or look for witnesses, which will aid your insurance claim process. Don’t underestimate these minor scratches; if not addressed promptly, the scratched areas can rust and corrode, not only depreciating the car’s appearance but also affecting its overall safety performance. It’s best to handle the situation calmly and avoid impulsive actions to prevent escalating disputes.