About Car Theft
Car theft is a crime that is the result of desperation, greed or outright criminal mischief. It's likely to occur in broad daylight or in the middle of the night. As a vehicle owner, it is important to be aware of the way thefts occur and how to protect your vehicle from becoming the latest statistic.
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Significance
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A vehicle is stolen every 26 seconds, with the highest occurrence in urban areas. Car thieves show no mercy when attempting to take a vehicle. In recent years, the practice of carjacking has occurred at intersections and parking lots across the country, often resulting in a violent attack of some sort.Commonly, car thefts are organized by crime rings who operate a multimillion-dollar business.
Function
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Vehicles are frequently stolen as a result of another crime. When a thief has robbed a home or store but does not have an arranged getaway vehicle, he will steal whatever is available to him. Thieves will also sell stolen cars for thousands of dollars. Typically, they may sell it part by part, but selling the entire vehicle to a scrap metal dealer is a quick way for the thief to get rid of the evidence quickly.
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Considerations
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It is a good idea to record your vehicle information, such as the license plate number and the VIN (Vehicle Restristration Number). The information should be stored in a secured location in your home. Consider purchasing theft insurance, especially if you own a luxury vehicle or live in an area that is prone to crime. If you have a vehicle that is equipped with OnStar, consider subscribing to the service. By using a satellite tracking system, OnStar will be able to locate your vehicle immediately after it has been reported stolen.
Prevention/Solution
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The best way to prevent your car from being stolen is to park it in your garage or driveway. If you do not have either option, park your vehicle in a well lit area or in view of security cameras.
Misconceptions
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It is a common misconception that having a "club" or other protection devices will prevent a thief from taking your vehicle. Theft protection items have been on the market for so long that professional car thieves have learned how to work around them.
Warning
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Although it may be common sense, never leave your vehicle running while unattended. How many times have you started your vehicle to warm it up or cool it off? Car thieves rely on the innocence of individuals when searching for a car to take.
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