Safe Driving through Poland, Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic?

Rick writes in Best of Eastern Europe: "Rental car theft can be a big problem in cities, especially Prague." He gives more advice, about insuring your rental car against theft, where you have large financial exposure if you're not careful; and to be absolutely truthful with the rental company about which countries you're taking the rental cars to, to avoid voiding any insurance coverage you have with them.

I have driven in all of these countries - my own car, not a rental. Don't leave anything visible in the car, take your valuables with you, and put everything else in the trunk and you should be fine.

I park my car on the street (as do most Slovaks) and haven't had a problem. Cars are a target of theft, but if they are left empty it discourages a lot of thieves.

The advice given by Kent and Ann is good. I have driven through those 4 countries in a rented car without trouble.

Several years ago I read that spreading a local newspaper on the dash, front seat and back seat makes the car look local. On two occasions I have also spread some trash around. It works. And never leave anything visible in the car or trunk.

I would like this advice too. My family will be driving for about a month through Poland, Lithuania, and Czech Republic with a rented vehicle.

I heard particularly in Poland putting the car in a secure lot is a wise choice in the major cities. Would anyone know of and could recommend good secured car parks in Poland.

Also has anyone driven in Lithuania can offer advice?

Thank you

Dear Jeff: Ann that posted a comment has been very helpful. She is an expat living in Slovakia. You might send her a private message. Depending on when you are going I can give you feedback. We are leaving Sept 21 and returning October 17. We are driving in Poland, Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic.