How to Deter Car Thieves

FBI reports estimate over a million vehicles a year are stolen the US alone. The startling car theft statistics show that car thieves prey on individuals from all classes and neighborhoods. There are ways to deter and even prevent car theft.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Take the obvious precautions. Car thieves will try to steal not just the most profitable vehicle in the area, but the easiest to steal. Never leave your keys in the car or leave the vehicles unlocked and unattended for any period of time. Professional thieves can steal a car in minutes, keeping your car locked and windows up, will deter the thief if an unlocked nearby vehicle is an easier mark.

2. Hide any valuable items. We tend to think of our cars as an extension of our homes and almost as safe. The reality is if you leave something valuable in plain view in your vehicle, thieves are more apt to target your car. This is especially true during the holiday seasons when people leave expensive gifts in their cars as the go from store to store shopping.

3. Opt for a vehicle anti-theft device. Car anti-theft devices can be as simple as locks for steering wheels and hoods to kill switches, alarms and vehicle tracking. Anti-theft devices are very affective tools in deterring car thieves. Another benefit of an anti-theft device is that many insurance companies offer discounts when the devices are utilized.

4. Park in well-lit areas. Just as well-lit parking areas help prevent crimes against you, leaving your car unattended in a brightly lit spot will help deter car thieves.

5. Garage your car. If you have the luxury of a garage at your home, use it. Most car thefts occur at night, be sure to park your car in the garage overnight and lock the garage door. If you’re parking away from home, opt for paid parking. Attended vehicles are more often safe vehicles.

6. Don’t become complacent. If you think car thieves only target newer high-end vehicles, think again. Older or less valuable cars are usually easier to steal and thieves will pull anything of value from the vehicle from auto-parts to scrap metal. Deter car thieves, by using theft prevention techniques on all your vehicles.

Tips & Warnings

• Never keep a spare set of keys in or around your car, no matter how well you think they're hidden.

[Kilogramm]

on 12/5/2008 These are great life saving tips, will be surely adding this to my favs!