The majority of auto thefts are crimes of opportunity, caused by leaving the car running, or car door unlocked. The easiest way to protect your car is to know the facts about auto theft and to consistently use simple theft preventions techniques and devices. Most criminals steal car stereos. Some even go for car batteries and in some cases the tyres too. The victims of such thefts by and large do not take them too seriously as they recover what is lost by way of insurance.

 Tips to prevent car theft:

• Park in well-lighted areas. Car thefts normally occur at night.

• Park in attended lots. Auto thieves do not like witnesses

• Don’t give the thief easy access to your glove box and trunk. Upon returning, check the tyres, spare tyre, and battery.

• Never leave your car running even if you’ll be gone for a minute. Vehicles are commonly stolen at convenience stores, gas stations, ATMs, etc. Many vehicle are also stolen on cold morning when the owner leaves the vehicles running to warm up.

• Close car windows completely. Do not make it any easier for the thief to enter you car

•  Do not leave valuables in plain sight thus making your vehicle a desirable target.

• Always use your emergency brake when parking. In addition to ensuring safety, using the emergency brake make your car harder to tow.

• Disable your vehicle when leaving it unattended for an extended period.

• Stolen cars are more easily traced when vehicle identification numbers have been etched on car windows and major parts.

 Some Tips For Investigation Vehicle Protection

• Gearshift locks: disable shifting of the transmissions

• Floorboard locks: Devices that disable the gas or brake pedal.

• Electronic security system: Audio alarms sound loud warnings when door, hood or trunk are opened. Optional sensor include glass breakage.

 Rule of thumb:

Make it time consuming for anyone to steal your car, and the thief will probably try his luck on someone else’s. Now that you have protected your car, your protect yourself while you are in it. Park in the well-lighted area. When you walk to your car, have your keys ready to unlock the door. Check the back seat before you get in. keep doors locked and windows rolled up most of the way while you drive. If someone tries his way in, honk the horn repeatedly. Get to know the safe spots. Attract attention by blinking the lights and hocking. At nights stay on well-traveled and well-lighted streets, even if it means going out of your way. If your car breaks down, tie a white rag to the door handle and get back in the car. Lock all the doors and roll up the windows. If someone stops to help, don’t unlock the door. Just ask him to call the police.

• Most criminals steal car stereos. Some even go for a car batteries and in some cases the tyres too. The victims of such thefts by and large do not take them too seriously as they recover what is lost by way of insurance.

Article contributed by AAM

 

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