How to Avoid Car Theft

Theft is most often a crime of opportunity - if your car looks easy to break into or steal, thieves will be drawn to it.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• J-bars
• Steering Wheel Locks
• Automotive Security Systerms
• Car Stereo With Removable Face

1. Park your car in an area that is well-lit and near lots of people.

2. Keep the windows rolled up and the car locked, even if it's parked at your own house.

3. Keep valuables in your car hidden. Consider buying a removable stereo face to keep in your trunk or carry with you.

4. Consider buying a visible mechanical locking device to lock the steering wheel, and/or an auto theft alarm system.

5. Install locking lug nuts to prevent your custom wheels or externally mounted spare tire from being stolen.

6. Keep in mind when purchasing a new car that some makes and models have a higher incidence of theft than others.

7. Keep your car registration and insurance card with you instead of in the glove compartment so that thieves cannot produce these documents if stopped by police.

8. Disconnect either the battery or the coil wire from the distributor cap if you have to leave your car unattended for an extended period of time. Car thieves will often not have the time or the desire to diagnose why the car won't start.

9. Take your ignition keys to a locksmith or car dealer to remove the key number, which thieves can use to have the keys duplicated (jot down the number for your records first).

10. Etch the vehicle identification number (VIN) onto the doors and fenders of your car with an electric engraver for extra protection. This helps to discourage professional car thieves, who will have to remove the markings to resell the car.

Tips & Warnings

• Record the VIN in your personal records.

• These suggestions follow the recommendations of the FBI, the National Crime Prevention Institute and the Maryland Community Crime Prevention Institute.