How to Join a Car Theft Protection Program

Car theft is a common crime, as more than 1 million cars are stolen across the country each year. Car theft is not a crime that only happens to people who do not lock their vehicles. Thieves are more sophisticated than they have ever been, and know how to get around the most common anti-theft devices. Since car theft happens so often and anyone can be a victim, more and more people are electing to join car theft protection programs. There are several different types of car theft prevention programs, so you can be sure there is one out there that is right for you.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet access
• Computer
• Telephone

1. Call your local police department. You can find the number in the telephone directory. Ask if your community sponsors a car theft protection program (many do). The benefits of these programs vary according to the town that sponsors them, but common features are free anti-theft devices and hotlines to report suspected thefts in progress.

2. Ask your insurance company about theft protection. Some insurance companies offer discounts on your policy if you have anti-theft devices for your car. Certain types of policies will cover the cost of a new car if your old one gets stolen.

3. Start your own program. If there are no resources available in your community to prevent car theft, you may want to join together with your neighbors to form your own program. This could be in the form of a neighborhood watch group or you might put together a common pool of funds that you use to equip all the cars in the neighborhood with alarms. The details are up to you.

4. Ask for help. If you decide to start your own car theft protection program, see if one of your local police officers would be willing to join and mentor your group in its efforts. Many officers take time to help out their communities in such ways. You never know until you ask.

Tips & Warnings

• Learn how you can do your part to prevent auto theft from happening to others by visiting People Against Car Theft at their Web site (see Resources below).
• If you have been the victim of car theft, know that you have the legal right under federal law to be treated with dignity and respect by the police and court officials you will likely have to encounter.
• Never try to stop a car thief in the act. Many car thieves are armed. Attempting to stop a theft in progress could get you seriously injured or worse. Instead, call the police to report the crime and let the professionals handle it.

Who Can Help:

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