Auto Theft
Protect Your Auto
Auto theft is a widespread crime that affects the whole community. Higher insurance rates, property damage, and possible injuries and loss of life from accidents are the result. It’s a billion-dollar-a-year crime. The thief’s motives include joyriding, transportation, or profit by either selling the vehicle or stripping the parts.
Reduce Your Risk
You can reduce the risk of theft of your unattended car, its parts, or contents by observing certain precautions including:
- Lock your doors. The majority of stolen cars are left unlocked, often with the keys in the ignition. Whether you leave your car for a moment or for several hours, always lock it and take the keys with you. Never leave your vehicle with the engine running.
- Roll windows up completely. Don’t make it easy for a thief.
- Safeguard keys. Keep car keys and house keys on separate rings. Never have an identification tag on your car key ring. Thieves may use it to locate your car. Never hide an extra car key under the hood.
- If you have a garage, use it. Also, be sure to lock your garage doors. If you don’t have a garage, back your car into the driveway. Backing in makes it easier for your neighbors to see if a person is tampering with your car’s engine.
- Secure your valuables and parcels. Never leave checkbooks, credit cards, or other such articles unattended in your car. Lock valuables in the trunk.
- Park in well-lit and busy areas. This is important for both your personal safety and the protection of your car and its contents.
- Mark your property. Criminals profit from stealing equipment and accessories. Use an engraving tool to mark equipment and accessories such as batteries, stereos, CB radios, and hub caps.
- Use anti-theft devices. Examples of anti-theft devices include non-flared locking buttons for your car doors, hood locks, alarm systems, and fuel and electrical cutoff devices. The use of anti-theft devices is highly recommended. But remember, for the device to be effective you must use it and use it properly.