AUTO THEFT PROTECTION

Facts About Auto Theft

Nearly 1 in 5 stolen vehicles are left unlocked with the keys in the ignition.

Over half of all vehicle thefts occur in residential areas.

More than two thirds of auto thefts happen at night.

A car is five times more likely to be stolen from an unattended lot than from the street or an
attended lot.

Good anti-theft devices slow down thieves and increase their risk of discovery.

Auto Theft Precautions

1.  Always remove the keys from your car, lock all doors and shut windows tightly every time you
     leave your car.
2.  Park in well lighted and high visible areas.
3.  Never hide a spare key to your vehicle on or inside the vehicle.
4.  Do not leave valuables in plain view.
5.  Do not leave titles or bills of sale in your vehicle; the title can be altered easily and /or your
     signature can be forged.
6.  Have the vehicle identification number etched on window glass trim as well as other parts of the
     car; T-tops, radios, etc.
7.  When parking in attended lots or parking garages, leave only the ignition key with the attendant.
8.  Lock valuables in the trunk.
9.  Always lock your garage door.

Vehicle Security Devices

When purchasing a vehicle check the manufacture's list on anti-theft options, such as interior hood
and trunk releases, locking steering columns, locking gas caps,and alarm systems.

You may want to consider installing a disabler switch or "kill Switch" which will prevent a thief from
starting the car or a fuel switch which stops the fuel supply.

Anti-Theft Bars or Steering wheel locking Devices prevents the steering wheel from being turned.
They are highly visible and may act as a deterrent from theft

Armored Collar is a metal shield that locks around the steering column and covers the ignition, the
starter rod, and the steering wheel interlock rod.

Crook Lock is a long metal bar that has a hook on each end to lock the steering wheel to the
brake pedal.

Tire locks make the car nearly impossible to move.

Any device can be defeated by a determined thief if he/she is given enough time to operate undetected.
Your first act should be to follow the advice about locking and parking your vehicle.

Car Alarms

The typical car alarm is equipped with motion sensors, impact sensors, and an alerting device. There
are many alarm systems on the market some that also include kill switches, remote activation and
silent alarm paging operations. Alarm systems are available at automotive parts dealers, major
department stores, car dealers, and through mail order catalogs. Always place the advertising
stickers on your car to alert probable thieves of the alarm and to encourage them to move to an
easier target.

If Your Car is Stolen

Call your local police department as soon as possible. You will need to be able to provide your
license number and or the vehicle identification number (VIN). An officer will take the initial report
on the phone so that the car can be entered into the national computer system and a local radio
broadcast of the theft can be made.  Stolen vechiles are sometimes used in the commission of other
crimes. Quick action often results in recovery of your vehicle as well as prevention of another crime.
Usually an Officer will be sent to follow up and investigate your initial call.

Car Jackings

Windows Of Opportunity That Carjackers Look For:

Intersections controlled by lights or stop signs.
Parking garages, shopping malls and grocery stores.
Self-service gas stations and car washes.
ATM (automated teller machines).
Residential driveways and street as people get in and out of their cars.
Highway exit and entry ramps, or other places where drivers slow down or stop.

Before You Enter Your Car...

Be alert to any activity near your car, pay attention to your surroundings.
When approaching your car, have your key in your hand, and check the back seat before getting in.
If someone is loitering near your unoccupied car as you approach it, keep walking past.
Be wary of people asking for directions or handing out flyers. Trust your instincts - if something
makes you feel uneasy, get into the car quickly, lock the doors, and drive away.

Once you're in your car...

Keep your doors and windows locked, no matter how short the distance or how "safe" the neighborhood.
Avoid driving alone. Have someone with you whenever possible, especially at night.
When you're coming to a stop, leave enough space to maneuver around other cars.  If you
sense trouble this will allow for an escape route.
If a suspicious-looking person approaches your car, drive away carefully.
Don't stop to assist a stranger whose car has broken down. Instead, help by driving to the nearest
phone and calling the police.
If you're driving home and notice someone you don't recognize, drive around the block and come
back after the person has left.

Getting Out

Park in well lighted areas, near sidewalks or walkways.  Avoid parking near dumpsters, woods,
large vans or trucks, or anything else that limits your visibility.
Never leave valuables in plain view, even if the car is locked.  Put them in the trunk or out of sight.
Try to park in a garage with an attendant. Leave only the ignition key, with no personal identification.
Even if you're rushed, look around before you get out and stay alert to your surroundings.

If It Happens To You...

If threatened by a carjacker, give up your car.  Don't argue.  Your life is worth far more than a car.
Get away from the area as quickly as possible.
Notice and remember what the carjacker looked like - sex, race, age, hair, and eye color,
special features, clothes and anything specific or unusual like an accent.
Report the crime immediately to the police.