Ways to Help Stop Auto Theft

No vehicle is 100% theft-proof. But the more time a thief has to spend stealing your car, the greater the chance of his getting caught. By making your car a tougher target, you'll encourage that thief to move on to some other car. Maybe one belonging to somebody who didn't read this.

Common Sense is Your Best Defense

Lock your car and take your keys.

Never hide a second set of keys in your car.

Park in well-lit areas.

Park in attended lots.

If you park in an attended lot and have to leave your key with an attendant, leave only the ignition and door key.

Completely close all car windows when parked.

Don't leave valuables in plain view.

Park your vehicle with wheels turned toward the curb.

If your vehicle is rear-wheel drive, back into your driveway to make towing more difficult for thieves.

Always use your emergency brake when parked.

If you have a garage, use it.

When parked in a garage, lock the garage door as well as your vehicle.

Never leave the registration or title in your car.

Remove the electronic ignition fuse, coil wire, rotor distributor, or otherwise disable your vehicle if you are leaving it unattended for an extended period.

Replace "T-shaped" door locks with straight locks.

Stolen cars are more easily traced when Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN) have been etched on car windows.

Engrave expensive accessories and major parts with your VIN or personal identification number.

Drop business cards, address labels, or other identification inside vehicle doors. I remember hearing of the story of an actual Corvette recovery in Pennsylvania where the owner saw his Corvette at a Turnpike Howard Johnson's by surprise. His Corvette had been stolen a few years earlier and this one looked so familiar. Sure enough he had found it and there still were the business cards in the doors where he had placed them years ago. The story goes he even had a spare set of keys in his wallet and just decided to drive away. I believe it was a red C2 convertible. Cool, very cool.