Auto Theft Prevention


DISCOURAGE A CAR THIEF!

1. TAKE YOUR KEYS: Nearly 20% of all cars stolen had the keys in them.
2. LOCK YOUR CAR: About 50% of all cars stolen were left unlocked.
3. NEVER HIDE A SECOND SET OF KEYS IN YOUR CAR: Extra Keys can be found if the thief takes time to look.
4. PARK IN WELL-LIGHTED AREAS: Over half of all car thefts occur at night.
5. NEVER LEAVE YOUR CAR RUNNING, EVEN IF YOU'LL ONLY BE A MINUTE: Cars are commonly stolen at convenient stores, gas stations, ATMs, etc...Many cars are also stolen on cold mornings when the owner leaves the car running to warm up.
6. DISABLE YOUR VEHICLE WHEN LEAVING IT UNATTENDED FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD: Remove the electronic ignition fuse, coil wire, rotor distributor, or otherwise disable your vehicle anytime thieves may have extended access to it.
7. REPLACE "T" SHAPED DOOR LOCKS WITH STRAIGHT LOCKS: Some vehicle doors have lock assemblies at window level that flare out in a knob or "T" shape. A thief can use various tools to gain access inside the vehicle, grab and pull the lock. Straight locks prevent this.
8. VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (VIN): Stolen cars/parts are more easily traced when vehicle VIN numbers have been etched on car windows and major parts.
9. ENGRAVE EXPENSIVE ACCESSORIES: Engrave personal I.D. numbers on stereos, cellular phones, etc...so the thief will have difficulty selling them.
10. COMPLETELY CLOSE CAR WINDOWS WHEN PARKING: Don't make it any easier for the thief to enter your vehicle.
11. DON'T LEAVE VALUABLES IN PLAIN VIEW: Don't make your car a more desirable target and attract thieves by leaving valuables in plain sight.
12. IF YOU HAVE A GARAGE, USE IT: If you have a garage, take the time to use it rather than parking outside where your car is more vulnerable.
13. WHEN PARKING IN A GARAGE, LOCK THE GARAGE DOOR AND YOUR VEHICLE: By locking both the garage and vehicle doors, the chances of deterring a thief greatly improve.
14. DON'T LEAVE THE REGISTRATION OR TITLE IN YOUR CAR: A thief will use these to sell your stolen car. File the title at your home or office, and carry registration in your purse or wallet.