What You Can Do To Help Eliminate Auto Theft:
- Lock your car – half of all vehicles stolen are left unlocked.
- Take your keys – nearly 20% of all vehicles stolen have keys in them.
- Park in well-lighted areas - car theft occurs at night more than half the time.
- Park in attended lots – car thieves don’t like witnesses.
- Don’t leave valuables in plain view – they may invite thieves to break into your
car.
- Completely close your windows – don’t make it easy to gain access to your car.
- Don’t hide a spare set of keys in the car – the pros know where to look.
- Don’t keep your registration in your glove compartment. Thieves have just what
they need if they steal your car. Keep it in your wallet
MAKE IT HARDER ON THE THIEF
- Park with your wheels turned toward the curb.
- If your vehicle has rear–wheel drive, back into your driveway – rear wheels lock
on rear–wheel drive vehicles, making them tough to tow. Front- wheel drive
vehicles should be parked front end first.
- Always use your emergency brake when parking.
- If you have a garage, use it; and when you do, lock both the vehicle and the
garage door.
- If your vehicle is going to be unattended for a long period of time, disable it;
for example, remove the ignition fuse or coil wire.
| USE VISIBLE OR AUDIBLE DETERRENTS |
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Remember, when you leave your car, set your theft-deterrent device! |
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Any of the following devices can be installed to help protect your car:
- Audible alarms, steering column collars
- Steering wheel locks, theft deterrent decals
- Tire Locks, Etching
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VEHICLE IMMOBILIZERS
These devices prevent thieves from bypassing your ignition and hot-wiring your
vehicle. Some use computer chips in ignition keys, while other inhibit the flow
of electricity or fuel until you hit a hidden switch. Here are a few examples: smart keys, use cut-offs, kill switches,
starter, ignition and fuel disablers
TRACKING SYSTEMS
A vehicle tracking system is a high-tech device designed to be hidden in your
automobile. It will emit a signal that the police can monitor if you report a
theft. These systems are very effective in helping law enforcement authorities
recover stolen vehicles.
REMEMBER, IF YOU HAVE INFORMATION ABOUT AN AUTO THEFT RELATED CRIME,
CALL 1-800-242-HEAT
By protecting your vehicle and being alert,
you can be part of the solution,
and you can save money on your insurance
premiums.