Auto Theft and Your Car

Did you know that nearly half of all auto thefts are due to driver carelessness, such as leaving doors unlocked or leaving keys in the ignition? Although there may be little you can do to stop a determined thief, here are some tips you can consider to discourage thieves and make your vehicle as difficult to steal as possible.

Keep your vehicle locked at all times. When you park your car, even in your own driveway, roll your windows all the way up and lock the doors. Resist the temptation to leave windows cracked open during warm weather.

Always take your keys with you. Keep spare keys secure, never in your vehicle. Many people make the mistake of hiding a spare key in the wheel-well or a different place under their car for emergencies. The problem is, just like putting a spare house key under your doormat, criminals know all the hiding places.

Never leave your car running and unattended. This type of crime is especially prevalent at gas stations, ATMs and convenience stores. If you’re not behind the wheel, turn your vehicle off.

Keep personal items out of sight. Never leave valuables like a laptop computer, briefcase, purse, wallet or cellphone in plain sight. Leaving anything of value on display, even small change, is enough incentive for some people to break in. If you must leave valuables in your car, lock them securely in the trunk, lockable glove box or console.

Watch where you park. Parking in a well-lit area will help deter criminals. Thieves are less likely to target your vehicle if passersby or cameras can easily see them. At home, lock the garage and your car. If you use a parking garage, try to park near a security camera or attendant.

Invest in a vehicle security system. If your car doesn’t have an electronic engine immobilizer, consider having a professional install an approved system that disables the ignition and activate it every time you leave the car. Audible devices such as a horn alarm deter theft by emitting sound that calls attention to an unauthorized attempt to steal or enter your vehicle. Finally, consider a vehicle tracking and recovery system. If your car is stolen, it can be tracked and recovered using GPS, transmitter or similar technology.

You can’t stop every crime, but by following a few precautions, your car can become a less attractive target to would-be thieves. Please contact me with any questions that you may have – I’m here to help you manage the risks in your life and to provide you with trusted advice.