Vehicle Theft Prevention

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Think you can’t protect your vehicle from theft? Think again!We all know just how big a problem vehicle theft has become. It’s estimated that every 25-32seconds another vehicle is stolen in America. This article will help you learn what you can do to avoid becoming a victim.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, there were 1.2 million motor vehicle thefts in 2005 alone. Property losses were estimated at over $7 billion for that year. While the rate of vehicle theft has decreased slightly, it’s still a major problem that’s costing people a great deal of money. That’s the bad news. The good news is that there are a lot of things you can do to help prevent your vehicle from being stolen.

Personal Responsibility

It’s an everyday occurrence to see vehicles parked, in driveways and in parking lots, with their windows down and their doors unlocked. Sometimes, people even leave the keys in the ignition as they make a quick stop at the convenience store. The easiest and most cost-free place to start protecting your vehicle is to always lock the doors when you get out, never leave the keys in the car, and always put the windows up. It also helps to park where there’s good lighting at night, and to utilize the garage if you have one. There’s no reason to make it easier for thieves who may be eyeing your vehicle. A few other popular low-cost options include:

• Locks. These are your first line of defense for your vehicle, its components and its contents. There are several areas to consider here. All vehicles are equipped with door and trunk locks. Newer vehicles may use “electronic” or “combination” locks rather than the conventional “key-type” locks. However, key locks are still the most common, and unfortunately, the same key that opens the door also operates the ignition. If this is true of your vehicle, you might consider having different door locks installed, so that anyone getting a hold of your door key still won’t have the ignition key.
  
  Ignition locks are like door locks; they can prevent someone from using your ignition without having the proper key. Also consider a locking gas cap, as thieves may be more prone to take a vehicle they know they can refuel.
  
  You might also consider wheel locks and hood locks. The popularity of custom wheels (and their high retail price) makes wheel locks a virtual “necessity.” Easy to install (just remove the standard lug nuts and lighten on the new “locking” type), they’ll help deter all but the most persistent thieves.
  
  Also remember, when it comes to locks, never leave a spare key on or in the vehicle. Thieves know this is a common practice and are aware of the usual places to look for them.
  
  

• Etching. Taking the time to have your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) etched into your windows will help discourage a professional car thief from stealing your car and changing the VIN number for resale. Faced with the prospect of replacing all the auto glass, most car thieves will “take a pass.” This relatively inexpensive safeguard can also help to recover your car more quickly if it is stolen.

While these precautions may seem quite obvious, they are still often overlooked. Yet there are many other things you can do to protect your investment that aren’t so obvious. Some of them may not cost anything, while other options may require a small investment. But all options are worth exploring, to determine what will work best to help protect your vehicle. A small investment now can help prevent headaches, high insurance-premium payments and the possible loss of sentimental valuables later.

Great Gadgets

Make no mistake – with a vehicle-theft problem raging across the country, there is a segment of the industry focused on providing solutions to the problem. However, most people aren’t sure where to begin, how the devices work, or what they should even consider. There are several great devices that you should be aware of and research in-depth to consider using them for your vehicle. Some of the more well-known devices include:

• The Club. This anti-theft product was developed in 1986 by someone who had his vehicle stolen. Essentially, it’s a vehicle steering-wheel lock that, when in use, prevents the steering wheel from being turned. The same company that makes this, Winner International, also offers wheel locks, and a club that connects from the steering wheel to the brake pedal.
• LoJack. This device helps police to track down and recover your vehicle in the event that it’s stolen. The LoJack Stolen Vehicle Recovery System comes with a 90 percent stolen-vehicle recovery rate. It’s a silent tracking system that is activated by police once your vehicle is stolen. The technology allows authorities to electronically track and locate the vehicle.
• Immobilizer. This is a safety device that, when activated, prevents the transfer of electricity to start the vehicle. No start, no steal!
• Alarms. There are a variety of companies that offer vehicle anti-theft alarms. While occasionally annoying when accidentally triggered, they can be a good deterrent to the “crash and bash” thief looking to make off with a CD player or other valuables left inside the vehicle.

While there are many steps you can take to try to prevent someone from stealing your vehicle, keep in mind that there’s no sure-fire way to stop it from happening. The best route to take is to find a few options to try, and to make sure you have the necessary insurance in order to replace your vehicle and any personal items you may have left inside, in the event that your automobile is stolen. Taking some steps toward prevention can make all the difference.

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