When it comes to preventing your car from being stolen, there are two things
you need to remember: time and effort. For the amateur or professional thief,
these two factors more than anything else will determine whether your car is
worth stealing. If you can increase the amount of time or effort it takes to
steal your car, the less likely it is that it will be stolen.
But how do you go about increasing those two factors? There are a number of
simple steps that you can take. Additionally, there are a few more complicated
steps that represent more of an investment on your part, but can also represent
a break in your insurance rates—not to mention preventing the cost of replacing
your car.
Common Sense
The first level of security comes from using a little common sense. Your car
comes with a few security measures. Use these and you’ll be well on your way to
preventing theft. Here’s a helpful list, adapted from suggestions provided by
HEAT (Help Eliminate Auto Theft), that you can use to more fully use your car’s
inherent security measures:
Always lock your car. It may
sound simple, but half of all stolen cars were left unlocked.
Always remove your keys.
Again, simple step, but 20% of car thefts are caused by leaving your keys
in the car.
Park in well-lighted areas
and busy car lots or lots with attendants.
Never leave valuables in
plain view. Place purses, CDs, purchases, or any other valuables out of
sight, preferably locked in your trunk.
Always close your windows
completely. During warm weather, it may be preferable to leave your
windows cracked, but doing so just makes it easier for a thief.
Don’t hide a spare key on
your car. You’re not the only one to have thought of putting a key in that
secret spot. Thieves know about them too. Leave spare keys at home or with
a loved one.
Don’t leave your insurance
cards or registration in the glove box. Either of these two documents provides
a thief with exactly what he or she needs for a quick profit or to waylay
any suspicions if stopped by a police officer.
When you park your car, turn
the wheels toward the curb. If your rear wheel drive, back into parking
spots. Front wheel drive vehicles should be parked front-end first. Doing
so locks the tires, making the car harder to tow. And always set your
parking/emergency brake.
Remove all your stored items
and turn your garage back into a garage. Always make sure to lock both the
garage (the big entrance door and any side doors) as well as your car.
If you’ll be leaving your
vehicle unattended for long periods of time, disable it. You can remove
the ignition wire or starter coil, for example.