Auto theft, more often than not, is a crime of opportunity. Don't be an easy target. You can reduce your risk of becoming a victim of auto theft if you make these simple rules a part of your driving routine.
Lock your car.
Take your keys.
Never leave your car running unattended, even for a minute.
Don't hide spare keys on your vehicle. If you can find them, so can a thief.
Roll your windows up all the way, even in hot weataher.
Park in well-lit areas.
Park as near to an open business as possible.
Don't leave valuables in open sight; lock them in the trunk.
If you have a garage, use it, and lock the garage door.
If your car is stolen or broken into, identification may make the difference between getting your property back or losing it for good.
Etch your Vehicle Identification Number (also known as VIN number) on window glass and trim.
Engrave expensive accessories such as T-tops, radios, etc. with your VIN number.
Drop a business card into the doorframe.
Keep copies of vehicle paperwork at home or in a safe place.
Know your license plate number and description of your vehicle (model, year, color, special identifying features such as bumper stickers or dents).
Don't keep the original certificate of title in your vehicle. It can easily be altered, or your signature forged.
If professional auto thieves are determined to steal your vehicle, they will probably succeed. However, anti-theft devices can make the job harder, causing the professional to pass you by for an easier victim, or stopping the amateur cold. The following are some common types of anti-theft devices available.
Alarms: These devices set off loud signals, honk the horn, flash the headlights, or use some combination of the three to call attention to your vehicle when it has been tampered with. The advantage is that alarms are loud and startling. The disadvantage is that many situations can set alarms off, and false alarms have trained the public to generally ignore them. In addition, thieves can often find the power source and disarm the alarm.
Keyless entry: This system requires a signal from a remote control device, or a code entered on a keypad, to open your vehicle and start the engine.
Kill switches: These devices use a hidden switch to cut power to your vehicle's ignition or electronic fuel pump. The thief is able to crank your engine but can't make it start. Check to be sure this device won't nullify any warranty before having it installed.
Fuel Switches: These switches cut off fuel supply. Either the vehicle won't start or will run out of fuel in a short distance.
Steering wheel/steering column locks: These locks prevent thieves from having access to the steering column (necessary for hot wiring the ignition and unlocking the steering wheel) or being able to turn the steering wheel once the vehicle has been started (a long bar is locked onto the steering wheel). Some devices lock the steering wheel to the brake pedal. The advantage to locks is that they are obvious and may cause the thief to move on to easier pickings; the disadvantage is that most locks can be broken.
