Preventing Auto Theft
Two Hundred Fifty thousand times per year in this country, auto thieves look for their next opportunity to do what they do best; steal OUR motor vehicles ($669,000,000 per yr.). Whether the auto thief is a young joy rider out to temporarily take and damage your car or a "professional" who cuts up vehicles for parts, OPPORTUNITY and two or three minutes is all it takes.
Joyriders
A typical joyrider is usually not old enough to drive legally. He will steal a car for transportation and possibly to use in the commission of other felony crimes. Cars are usually kept for two to three days, substantially damaged, and abandoned.
The Professional
The more experienced thief who works for a network of thieves. Cars are stolen and usually never recovered. Stolen vehicles are either quickly dismantled after theft and the parts are sold or the cars are shipped out of the country.
Auto Theft Prevention Devices
Anti-Theft Systems
Starting at less than $100 and going higher as options are added, antitheft systems typically include siren alarms, starter disablers, motion sensors, remote control activation, panic buttons, and shock detectors on doors, windows, or trunk lids. A beeper can alert the owner when someone trips the system.
Spending money on antitheft devices doesn't help if drivers don't help by following basic precautions locking their cars and taking the keys, for example, and using the antitheft devices they paid for.
VIN Etch
A method used to chemically imprint your vehicle identification numbers into the vehicle glass windows. Marked auto parts are not as easily sold by thieves.
Collar
Some vehicles are easily stolen by prying the steering column and accessing the ignition lock. The collar is a steel protector which is permanently bolted and glued to the steering column making it nearly impossible to pry open the steering column.
Ignition Kill Switch
A switch is placed inside the vehicle interior which can be cut off by the owner, thereby disabling the vehicle. The car cannot be started.
Steering Wheel Lock
A hardened steel rod that locks to the steering wheel and prevents the wheel from being turned more than a few degrees. The lock offers a deterrent to the inexperienced auto thief.
Radio Transmitter
This system installs a radio transmitter in a secret place within the vehicle body. If the car is stolen, the transmitter is activated by radio, and the stolen car is located via the radio homing device.
How Not To Be A Victim
- Lock your car
- Never leave car running and unattended
- Don't hide a key
- Close windows tightly
- Park in well lit public area
- When parking on public street; turn front wheels towards curb to make towing more difficult.
- When selling a car, never let buyer test drive it alone
- Drop your business card or address labels into the door window channels to help identify stolen auto parts.
- Don't tempt thieves by leaving valuables visible inside your vehicle.
- Never leave your driver's license, registration, insurance card, or credit cards in your vehicle. These can be used to commit other crimes.
What if my car gets stolen?
- Don't Panic
- Report to Police Immediately
- Notify your insurance company
- Check with neighbors for possible witnesses
- Locate serial numbers of any personal property stored in vehicles
Important Information About Your Car:
Make:__________________________________
Year:___________________________________
Model:__________________________________
VIN #:___________________________________
Tag#:___________________________________
Colors:__________________________________
Insurance Co.:____________________________
Policy #:_________________________________
Key #:___________________________________
Modifications:_____________________________